Barry on horns of dual dilemma

Wexford's Redmond Barry is one of the last high-profile dual players but this position comes under threat once more as the hurlers play the Leinster final on July 3rd, just a day after round two of the football qualifiers.

The Wexford County Board have requested the footballers have their game put back a week to July 9th for the sake of Barry and the ever-increasing dual support in the county.

"We have made the request to Croke Park but we are still awaiting a reply," said board chairman Seán Quirke.

"Should the game go ahead and they were drawn away it would make it hugely difficult for county officials, particularly should a lot of travel be involved.

"But we are also making this request so as to help the player Redmond Barry, while also helping supporters who would have to make a choice. It would be difficult for supporters to attend both games, particularly as they have gone to great expense over the past five weeks supporting both the hurlers and footballers in Croke Park."

Limerick had a similar request granted recently to accommodate their two dual players, Stephen Lucey and Conor Fitzgerald.

They play the rescheduled hurling qualifier against Antrim this weekend in Casement Park, put off because of the Munster football semi-final against Kerry last Sunday.

The Wexford case is, however, less clearcut. There is only one player seeking a reshuffle to the fixture list, and it would also hinder the qualifier draw, which takes place live on the Sunday Game on July 3rd.

There are several conundrums already in the draw, as teams who met in their provincial competition cannot be drawn again. The GAC will consider this issue next week.

The hurling (Séamus Murphy) and football (Pat Roe) managers have shared the player all season; when a clash arises the choice ultimately rests with Barry.

"If that occasion arises I will have a chat with Redmond," said Roe. "It is difficult because it is a Leinster hurling final and it would be hard to turn down but we want to have him available for us as well."

Meanwhile, the Wexford board have asked the Leinster Council to consider a price reduction for the Cusack Stand ahead of the Leinster hurling final because of the unavailability of Hill 16. The terrace is closed for the final owing to the U2 concerts.

Midfielder Donal O'Grady, who injured a finger playing for his club, Granagh Ballingarry, three weeks ago, has been given the all-clear for Limerick's hurling qualifier against Antrim, in Belfast, on Saturday. But Mark Foley, who incurred a similar injury in the Munster semi-final loss to Tipperary, has been ruled out of the team, which will be selected this evening.

Limerick have made one change in personnel for Sunday's Munster under-21 hurling championship final against champions Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Seán Browne replacing Ross Kennedy at corner back.

LIMERICK (Under-21H): G Flynn; S Browne, L Hurley, T Condon; J Kelly, D Moloney, S Hickey; D Moore, D Hanley; G O'Mahony, J Ryan, B O'Sullivan, D O'Sullivan, D O'Connor, E Ryan.