CHAMPIONSHIP 2002/Team News: Ollie Murphy is an injury doubt for Leinster champions Meath, as they start their title defence this weekend against Westmeath. "He has a groin strain," according to county PRO Brendan Cummins, "which has taken people a bit by surprise. Obviously we're hopeful but no one really knows at the moment."
Westmeath would certainly be glad to see the back of Murphy. Twice last year he produced last-gasp goals to save Meath in matches against their neighbours. In the Leinster championship, it was enough to win the match and in the All-Ireland quarter-final his goal stole a draw for his team who went on to destroy defending champions Kerry in the semi-final.
Otherwise Seán Boylan's team will be selected from a full pick as Meath set out in an attempt to go one better on last year's All-Ireland final defeat, to Galway.
Meanwhile Lar Corbett has been added to Tipperary manager Nicky English's injury list. The speedy forward was injured in the first round against Clare and won't play in Sunday's Munster semi-final against Limerick in Cork.
"He picked up a dead leg," said English last night, "and he's definitely out of consideration."
The loss of Corbett comes on top of a litany of other problems. Aside from those who were unavailable the last day, Tipperary management felt that both forwards John O'Brien and Mark O'Leary had returned to action a little bit soon.
News of the absentees isn't terribly encouraging for the All-Ireland champions. "Eddie Enright and Paul Ormonde won't even tog out," said English, "but we were expecting that. Mark O'Leary still has a problem with his ankle but should be okay and John O'Brien, who had a dislocated thumb, has now picked up an infection in his elbow."
Better news is emerging about John Carroll who is back in training after a leg injury but will hardly be sufficiently fit to start on Sunday although Tipp are hopeful that he can play some sort of role.
"We're up against it," said English. "Limerick impressed me more than any other team in the league and we'll need to be better than we were against Clare."
Limerick name their side tonight. The only problem is Sean O'Connor who played particularly well when the teams met in last year's Munster final. He has glandular fever and is definitely out of manager Eamonn Cregan's plans.
Hopes that Derek Savage will be fit for Galway's Connacht football semi-final against Mayo are fading. John O'Mahony, manager of the All-Ireland champions, said yesterday that the injury picked up by the corner forward was unlikely to be cleared up in time for the trip to Castlebar this Sunday.
"Derek hasn't been able to train since the Roscommon match," said O'Mahony. "He tore his hamstring and at the moment you'd have to call it against him."
Savage should be fit for Galway's following match, either the Connacht final or the second qualifier round. Goalkeeper Alan Keane is another worry. The big goalkeeper played against Roscommon with an injured medial ligament, which substantially inhibited his mobility, but he should be passed fit.
"He's still getting treatment and we're hopeful," according to O'Mahony who announces his team tomorrow night.
Opponents Mayo have a couple of injury problems in defence. Former All-Ireland captain and wing back Noel Connelly and corner back Gary Ruane are both nursing strains. Ruane has pulled a groin muscle whereas Connelly picked up a knock on his calf.
County secretary Sean Feeney said there was no definite word on the players, but he was optimistic they could play. Sunday's match is all-ticket and expected to attract around 25,000 people.
