Kerry's Maurice Fitzgerald remains on the subs' bench for the game against Antrim in Division 2A of the National Football League in Casement Park on Sunday. Kerry are not looking forward to a two-day trip which will involve a lengthy train journey to Belfast and an overnight stop.
Seriously miffed by their inclusion with teams like Kilkenny, Limerick, Westmeath, Antrim, Wicklow and London in the lower reaches of the league, Kerry are nevertheless determined to make the most of it.
The selectors have made three changes to the side which beat Louth, two of them enforced by club commitments. Pa Laide is injured but Eamon Breen and Eamon Fitzmaurice are excused to allow them to play for Finuge in the north Kerry championship quarter-final. Into the team come Tom O'Sullivan at right full back and Seamus Moynihan at right half back.
Beaten by Roscommon in their opening match, they are very anxious to win on Sunday to set themselves up for a bid to win promotion. Of some significance is the inclusion of Fitzgerald among the list of subs, a position he took up for the match against Louth. Although he made a late appearance on that occasion, Fitzgerald is still recovering from a niggling leg injury.
All-Ireland champions Galway, with two wins under their belts, will not name their side for their match against Armagh in Tuam until later today.
Cork have recalled midfielder Liam Honohan for their trip to Ballybofey to play Donegal. Honohan was out of favour for some time as a result of a difference of opinion with team manager Larry Tompkins, but all now seems calm and Honohan returns to the fold. Tyrone will give Stephen McCarron his debut opportunity against Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon after long-serving goalkeeper Finbar McConnell failed a fitness test in training on Tuesday night.
McCarron has been on the verge of the team for some time. His club Aghaloo has made great strides in recent years and is fast becoming a force in Tyrone football.
Offaly have made three changes from the team which drew with Tyrone in their game against Dublin in Tullamore. The visitors, however, have postponed their selection until tonight.
Back in the Offaly side is James Grennan who missed the match against Tyrone because of suspension. He returns at centre forward while Padraig Kelly replaces Ken Furlong in goal and Tom Coffey comes in for John Ryan at full back.
Kildare have postponed the selection of their team to face Mayo in Newbridge until later in the week. Injuries to Dermot Earley and Eddie McCormack have caused the delay.
Mayo, who have yet to finalise their plans, will be missing Liam McHale of Ballina Stephenites as well as David and Gerard Brady.
Injuries and suspensions have forced Monaghan boss Eamon McEnaney to make four changes for Sunday's game against Down in Division 1B in Scotstown.
Goalkeeper Glen Murphy and Padraic McKenna both aggravated groin strain injuries against Fermanagh last Sunday and are replaced by Joe Sullivan and Niall Magennis respectively.
Damian Freeman is ruled out through suspension, having been sent off last Sunday, and his place is taken by newcomer Ian Larmer. Declan Smyth, who came on as a sub last Sunday in place of Mark Daly, retains his place.
