Dublin unchanged as Caffrey refuses to panic

Despite being well beaten by Cork last weekend Dublin manager Paul Caffrey is standing by the same team for Sunday's concluding league match against Offaly. Dublin don't have a lot to play for, as only a freak set of results would see them reach the semi-finals. Yet some sort of shake-up was expected after the nine-point loss in Páirc Uí Rinn last Saturday.

Caffrey, however, is clearly not going to panic. All six substitutes were used against Cork, and only one enforced by a yellow card, but the likes of Shane Ryan, Ciarán Whelan and Peader Andrews all hold down their starting places despite sub-par performances.

The Dublin management may yet be forced to make some changes closer to the game as the under-21s are out on Saturday afternoon in the Leinster semi-final against Longford. Defender Bryan Cullen and forward Mark Vaughan are both part of that set-up, and may sit out the Offaly game depending on the result there.

On that note, Dublin have named 15 substitutes for the trip to Tullamore and the playing panel of 24 will be finalised closer to the weekend. Paddy Canning is expected to name his under-21 side tomorrow, with Declan O'Mahony, who has a broken bone in his foot, the only player ruled out .

Cork and Mayo are still sharing the chase on Division One A leaders Tyrone and Kerry, and a win for Billy Morgan's side in Donegal could elevate them into one of the semi-final places. His Cork panel continues to strengthen with former Irish International Rules captain Graham Canty ready to make his return to competitive football having missed all Cork's games to date with tendonitis in his knee.

Cork hurling manager John Allen, however, is now resigned to being without Wayne Sherlock for the Munster championship opener against Waterford on May 22nd as the All-Star defender is still suffering from a chronic groin injury.

Defending league champions Kerry must beat Tyrone in Killarney to be sure of a semi-final place - although they could still make it if Westmeath manage to beat Mayo, and Cork also lose.

In the meantime Kerry manager Jack O'Connor continues to welcome back members of his All-Ireland winning side, the latest of which is Declan O'Sullivan.

This year's captain has missed all of Kerry's league games having undergone minor knee surgery earlier in the year, but on Sunday played for his club, Dromid Pearses, and is now expected to be named among the substitutes for the meeting with Tyrone.

Meanwhile, the countdown to next month's Congress continues with several counties in the process of finalising their position on the motions related to Rule 42. Westmeath have given their clubs until April 13th - just two days before Congress - to examine the seven motions, and then assemble for the final discussion on what way the county will vote.

It is envisaged that all club delegates will have been mandated by then, which will effectively decide Westmeath's stance on the controversial issue.

Tipperary held similar discussions at their county board meeting last night, and an announcement is now expected regarding their currant stance on Rule 42.

After 10 years in top flight hurling with Limerick, Clement Smith has decided to call it a day.

The 29-year-old, who played in midfield and defence, said his decision was influenced by his failure to command a regular position this season.