The victory of Offaly over Meath in the Leinster final last Saturday has brought about a remarkable coincidence. It means that all of this year's four semi-finalists figured in the semi-finals of 1969, the last time Cavan reached this stage. On that occasion Cavan met Offaly in their semi-final and were beaten after a replay by 3-8 to 1-10. Kerry beat Mayo in the other semi-final (0-14 to 1-10) and went on to beat Offaly in the final (0-10 to 0-7). Kerry and Cavan are both keeping a low profile as they put the finishing touches to their preparations to Sunday's clash at Croke Park.
Kerry are concerned about their captain, Mike Hassett, who sustained a leg injury in training last weekend. The seriousness of the injury has not yet been fully assessed, but a decision on his participation in the semi-final will be delayed as long as possible.
Their only other injury worry concerns John Crowley, who broke a finger in a club match last week. He came on as a substitute in the Munster final win over Clare and hopes he will be allowed to play with a heavily bandaged hand. Cavan sources dismiss rumours that veteran midfielder Stephen King and goalkeeper Paul O'Dowd are doubtful starters for Sunday's match. "Both were nursing minor injuries for a while, but they have fully recovered and have taken a full part in training," a team spokesman said yesterday. An announcement about the composition of the team has been promised for tomorrow afternoon.
In Mayo, Kevin O'Neill is standing by for a recall to the Mayo colours for their semi-final against Offaly at Croke Park on Sunday week. Also in line for a recall is David Brady, who has been out of action since last January when he broke his left leg in a challenge match. O'Neill's opportunity has come about following an injury to Mayo's specialist place-kicker Maurice Sheridan in a club match last Saturday. He limped off with a damaged hamstring and will have intensive treatment for the rest of the week.
A decision on whether or not to include him in the line-out for Sunday week will be delayed as long as possible.
The return of O'Neill to the side for last Sunday's challenge match against Antrim in Killala has been widely welcomed. O'Neill was reported to be disaffected after Mayo's All-Ireland defeat last September - he was left off the panel for the replayed final - but was persuaded to rejoin the squad and his tally of five points from frees on Sunday has given the selectors some comfort. Brady has been performing well in training and made a good impression against Antrim. His return was expected much earlier, but it was delayed by an infection. He has now made a full recovery and is reported to have done very well in training. His return could give manager John Maughan a number of opportunities to ring the changes in his line-up. Against Antrim, he made multiple alterations to his normal line-up throughout the game. He used 23 players in all and his strategies included the playing of Liam McHale at full forward. PJ Loftus, who has not been able to command a place in the side on a regular basis, was also given a run.
