KEVIN CASSIDY is looking forward to Donegal’s participation in next Sunday’s All-Ireland football final.

Cassidy was axed from the Donegal squad last November by Jim McGuinness after he made controversial comments in a book.

“The one question everybody keeps asking me, even members of my own family and friends is, ‘have I any regrets on missing on what has been a great season for Donegal and the chance to play in an All-Ireland final’?” Cassidy says in The Donegal Democrat.

“But I honestly can say that I have made my peace on that front a long time ago, and I have moved on with my life. I have drawn a line in the sand on the whole episode and my playing career.”

Meanwhile, GAA president Liam O’Neill has offered his sympathies and those of the association to the family of Fermanagh footballer Brian Óg Maguire who passed away on Wednesday in a tragic work accident and will be buried tomorrow in Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea at 11am.

“I offer my deep felt condolences to the Maguire family and Brian Óg’s wide circle of friends,” O’Neill said yesterday. “The reaction to the terrible news tells you everything you need to know about the high regard in which Brian was held and we can’t begin to imagine the loss he will be to his family and friends.”

Many of the country’s leading GAA stars will line up today in Bray Emmets for the 13th annual All-Ireland Kick Fada competition at Old Conna at 1pm.

Monaghan’s Shane Duffy came through a crowded pack to claim the ultimate honour, but Wicklow’s Tony Hannon and Dublin’s Mark Vaughan are a among a number of stars who could be pushing to become the new champion.

The star-studded list will also feature three Sheridans – Meath brothers Joe and Brian, and Longford’s Damien, the latter two being past champions, and Ross Munnelly (Laois), Dick Clerkin, Darren Hughes and Paul Finlay (Monaghan) and Paddy and Felim O’Rourke (Meath).

Meath’s Irene Munnelly will face stiff competition to retain her women’s All-Ireland Kick Fada title against the biggest field ever assembled in this category, including former three-time winner Mary Sheridan and Wicklow’s Emer Miley.

Meanwhile, Derry and Galway clash in tomorrow’s All-Ireland Intermediate camogie final, with Derry arriving in Croke Park in buoyant form after some scintillating performances in this years championship. Galway’s defence will need to be on guard for a free-scoring Derry side.

Down will be keen to make amends for last years defeat to Waterford, when they take on Meath in the Premier Junior final also today at Croke Park.

DERRY: C O’Kane; M Quinn, A Ní Chaiside, A Mullan; A McCusker, E Ní Chaiside, M McGoldrick; S Cassidy, G McNicholl; K Kielt, T McElroy, S Quinn; K McAnenly, O Bradley, G McGoldrick.

GALWAY: R Callanan; T Kenny, P Kenny, C Gill; L Farrell, S Noone, S Keane; C McGrath. A Lynskey; A O’Reilly, E Kilkelly, M Brehony; D Burke; O Curtin, E O’Sullivan.

MEATH: E Mangan; H Geraghty, C Coffey, F O’Neill; A Keogh, A Thompson, L Donoghue; AM Fagan, K Troy; E Guy, J Dolan, A Donnelly; A Maguire, S Hackett, K Hackett.

DOWN: C McCrickard; K Tinnelly, G O’Higgins, C McGovern; C Rocks, L McCrickard, E McCormick; L McPolin, M McNally; C McGourty, L Hughes, P Gribben; N Mallon, SL Carr, F Carr.