Sports Desk Cork’s Sheahan denies O’Sullivan football call-up

By Sean Creedon

Cork football selector Paddy Sheahan has dismissed speculation that hurling All-Star hurler Diarmuid O’Sullivan could get a call-up to the senior football squad for the Munster final against Kerry on Sunday week.

O’Sullivan has been playing junior football since the county hurlers were beaten by Limerick in the first round of the Munster championship. He has lined out for divisional side Imokily and has helped the Cork junior team to qualify for the Munster final.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," said Sheahan. "Wouldn’t we be the laughingstock of the county if we brought Diarmuid in now with just over two weeks to go? It’s all paper talk."

But many don’t think that Cork would be a laughingstock. O’Sullivan, who plays at full-back in hurling, lines out at full-forward for the footballers and his presence could cause a few problems around the Kerry goal if he is called up by Larry Tompkins.

Cork have had their fair share of dual players in recent years. Players like Teddy McCarthy, Brian Corcoran, Denis Walsh and Sean Og O hAilpin have successfully played both codes.

Meanwhile, Kilkenny are hot favorites to beat Wexford in Sunday’s Leinster Hurling Final. But the Cats have doubts about star forward D.J. Carey, who picked up yet another injury in training. Carey was also injured before the semifinal victory over Offaly and was held scoreless. Denis Byrne, who broke his nose in a recent challenge game against Galway, is expected to be fit for Sunday.

Hassett still ailing

Kerry’s Liam Hassett says he has not hope of lining out for the Kingdom before the All-Ireland final. Hassett badly injured his knee while playing for his new club, St. Anne’s, in a Dublin League game.

"It will be at least another month before I can begin to job. The Munster final is out of the question and even if Kerry were the reach the All-Ireland semifinal, I’ll hardly be ready," Hassett said.

The good news for Kerry is that Hassett’s brother Mike is back in training and will be pushing for the place against Cork on Sunday.

Also, Brian Stynes, who has not figured for Dublin so far this year, is back training, but has no hope of making the starting XV against Meath on Sunday.

Ballesteros visit

Spain’s Seve Ballesteros stopped off in Killenard, Co. Laois, last week on route to the Murphy’s Irish Open to join Minister for Tourism and Sport Jim McDaid at a ground-breaking ceremony for yet another new golf course. The Heritage Golf and Country Club is situated only a few miles off the main Dublin-to-Cork road between Monasterevin and Portlaoise. The site is on 240 acres and the complex will include clubhouse, golf academy, hotel, spa and

recreation center, walking trek, bowling green, bar and restaurant, pro shop and 104 houses. The golf course should be ready in 2003 and the entire facility is scheduled for completion two years later.

Early dismissal

Who holds the record for the fastest red card in Gaelic Football? Well, Fintan Martin, who plays for Derry club Loup, will probably go into the record books. He was sent off after getting into an altercation with Lavey’s Johnny McGurk while warming up as a substitute in a recent Derry senior football championship game.

Celtic visit

Scottish League and Cup champions Glasgow Celtic are paying a quick visit to Ireland this weekend.On Friday they play Cork City at Turner’s Cross and on Sunday the meet Shelbourne in Dublin. The Bhoys are a big draw, but with tickets for both games costing £30, they may not be a sell-out. A bit much for a pre-season friendly.

Quinn replaced?

Sunderland manager Peter Reid says that the signing of French striker Lilian Laslandes does not spell the end of Niall Quinn’s career at Roker Park.

"Don’t write off Niall," he said. "That’s been done before, but he has kept proving everyone wrong. Just because he is 34 does not mean that Niall is dead and buried. It’s unfair to say I’ve signed Lilian to replace the Irishman. Niall is working hard to get fully fit and I expect a really good season from him. There is a lot more in the lad."

Coleman banned

Derry manager Eamonn Coleman will have to sit in the stand for Derry’s next game in the All-Ireland qualifier this weekend.

Coleman got a three-match sideline ban for his pitch incursion during the Ulster semifinal against Tyrone. The ban, which is not as severe as the one he got last year for criticizing a referee, will allow Coleman into the dressing rooms before the game and at halftime, but not into the dugout.