Geraghty's eyes are back on the ball

Graham Geraghty is set to end his year-and-a-half-long absence from the Meath football team, playing at centre forward in Sunday's O'Byrne Cup meeting with Kildare at Newbridge.

One of the most controversial footballers of his time, Geraghty had in recent years retired, switched to rugby, and then found his Meath comeback delayed by a year-long suspension, subsequently reduced by half.

So it will mark his first appearance in a Meath jersey since the All-Ireland qualifier of July 2003, when Fermanagh caused a major surprise at Clones with their six-point victory. Geraghty contributed a single point that day, but the two-time All Star, who made his Meath debut back in 1993, has clearly impressed manager Seán Boylan with his renewed commitment for 2005.

Geraghty will be joined by another veteran player on Sunday, as Ollie Murphy starts at left corner forward. Yet, Boylan has also called up some fresh faces, including full back Kevin Reilly, who was part of the St Patrick's College All-Ireland winning side, and also wing forward Peader Byrne.

Sunday's meeting with old rivals Kildare, in fact, marks Meath's second outing in the O'Byrne Cup as they defeated Wexford before Christmas, although it will be their first taste of the experimental rule changes such as the sin bin.

New Longford manager Luke Dempsey hopes that leading forward Paul Barden, currently carrying a thigh strain, can make their O'Byrne Cup meeting with Westmeath at Pearse Park. Definitely missing are Cathal Conefrey and Liam Keenan, while corner forward David Barden is concentrating on his studies at Sligo IT.

Offaly have announced Barry Mooney will captain the team for the new season, taking over the role from Ciarán McManus.

Meanwhile, Clare hurling manager Anthony Daly is likely to call on Brian Lohan at some stage during Sunday's challenge game with Limerick at Meelick where all the proceeds will go to the Tsunami disaster appeal. Lohan this week confirmed his commitment for a 13th season with the Clare hurlers, despite the chronic hamstring problems of recent years.

MEATH (v Kildare): B Murphy; B O'Reilly, K Reilly, S McGabhan; C King, D Crimmins, T O'Connor; N Crawford, A Moyles; P Byrne, G Geraghty, N Kelly; S Bray, J Sheridan, O Murphy.

KILDARE (v Meath): E Murphy; D Hendy, P Mullarkey, A McLoughlin; E Callaghan, M Foley, K Ennis; K Brennan, W Heffernan; M O'Sullivan, J Doyle, D McCormack; P Donnelly, R Sweeney, T Fennin.