Galeic games news in brief

Collinwood still hopeful of match-up

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert is expected to arrive in Ireland today and hopes to meet GAA officials about the possibility of the AFL club playing an international rules match later in the year.

The club has been connected with a possible exhibition game in Ireland against Dublin since last February and despite recent reports that the proposal was no longer a runner, Pert's journey from Australia to pursue the possibility suggests the Magpies have not given up on it.

It is believed Collingwood and Dublin officials have not been able to agree on how to share gate receipts and costs.

Injury concerns for Limerick and Offaly

Limerick hurling manager Richie Bennis says he still has major worries over key players Brian Geary, Wayne McNamara and Conor Fitzgerald for Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier clash with Offaly at the Gaelic Grounds. "If they can't take a full part in the training session tomorrow (Wednesday), it would be too risky to pick them for the match," said Bennis yesterday.

Geary underwent a cruciate ligament operation last November, and McNamara and Fitzgerald are recovering from shoulder injuries.

Offaly's hurlers have also been hit by a glut of injuries. Forwards Ger Healion and Alan Egan are definitely out of Saturday's tie and utility player Paul Cleary and wing forward Derek Molloy are on the doubtful list.

Healion broke a finger at training last week, while Egan got a bang on the head. Then, during last weekend's training session, Cleary got a knock on the knee and Molloy twisted his ankle.

Doyle has to grin and bear it

Kildare's John Doyle had to undergo dental surgery this week to prevent the loss of two front teeth, but confirmed he will be available for the All-Ireland qualifier with Cavan on Saturday week.

The Allenwood star picked up the injury in a second-half tackle by former Lilywhite team-mate Brian Lacey that led to Lacey receiving a second yellow card during last Saturday's Kildare championship tie between the Blues and Round Towers at Newbridge.

The 30-year-old played the rest of the game and went on to kick the injury-time equaliser from a 50-yard free into the wind.

"These things happen in football" he said matter-of-factly. "You'd prefer if they didn't, but they do. Luckily I'm alright."

Cup to be named after Carroll

The county board of Laois women's football has announced that it is commissioning a cup for the winners of the senior championship which will be named after Lulu Carroll - who died last year at the age of 35 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Revered in the O'Moore County, the Timahoe club woman won an All-Star as a goalkeeper as a 19-year-old in 1991 before, as a high-scoring attacker, playing a key role in helping Laois win the All-Ireland 10 years later after many near misses. During a memorable career, Carroll won eight Leinster medals.