NEWS:A MOTION of no confidence in the Cork county executive, proposed by the Ballyhea club, was not accepted at last night's meeting of the county board when chair Jerry O'Sullivan ruled that only county convention could remove the executive.

The decision followed some critical discussion about the motion, which wasn’t formally put.

Meanwhile, Galway hurling manager John McIntyre has been given a huge boost with centre half back John Lee agreeing to return to the squad.

Lee, who is in the second last year of his medical degree and has been working in Castlebar hospital, opted out of the squad in January to concentrate on his studies. But now a compromise has been worked out and the 22-year-old is to return and train with the side as often as possible between now and the completion of his studies for the academic year at the end of April.

It is unlikely that Lee will feature in Galway’s remaining league games given that he will essentially be training on a part-time basis, but his presence will be a huge boost as Galway launch their maiden voyage in the Leinster championship.

“After speaking with John it was agreed that he would rejoin the squad and do whatever training he can until his exams finish in late April,” said McIntyre.

GAA president Nickey Brennan last night paid tribute to the late Billy Rackard (79) and offered his sympathies to the Rackard family.

“The GAA, and hurling in particular, has lost one of its true icons with the sad news of Billy’s passing on Monday,” Brennan said yesterday. “He made an enormous contribution to the association and of course to his native Wexford in what was a golden era for hurling in the county.”