WITH SEVEN of their All Ireland squad under suspension one might be forgiven for thinking that Mayo would be forced to field a skeleton team for their National League match against Laois in Mayo on Sunday.
But that idea can be dismissed with a glance at the line out which John Maughan and his selectors announced yesterday evening.
The Mayo defence managed to stay almost unscathed from the rash of suspensions with the captain, Noel Connelly, the only member of the seven to be suspended. His place at left halfback is taken by Fergal Costello from Ballinrobe.
Peter Butler comes in at right half back in place of Pat Holmes, who takes over at full back from the absent Kevin Cahill. The selectors continue with Barry Heffernan in goal in place of John Madden who is relegated to the bench. Heffernan played in Mayo's opening league match, against Monaghan last Sunday week. Ray Connelly, who played against Monaghan, is named among the substitutes.
In midfield the selectors have named Pat Fallon, who played against Monaghan, and called in the 20 year old Shane Fitzmaurice as his partner to replace Liam McHale and David Brady, both of whom are suspended.
The selectors have managed to field an apparently well balanced attack despite having four of the six who played against Meath under suspension. Michael Gardiner is the only unfamiliar name. He plays his football in Dublin with Ballyboden St Endas and takes over the centre forward role from Colm McManamon.
He is flanked by Maurice Sheridan and James Horan while the full forward line consists of Kevin O'Neill, P J Loftus and David Nestor, all of whom figured in the All Ireland campaign.
Meath trained last night and will take the opportunity to assess the situation with their trip to Cork in mind. Meath will be anxious to show off their resilience in adversity by calling in a number of their strong under 21 squad.
Both counties were loath to comment any further yesterday on the result of the Games Administration Committee deliberations.
The chairman of the Mayo County Board, Fr Noel Forde, laid were keeping all options open for the moment. He refused to outline what those options were, but the feeling in the county seems to be leaning towards an acceptance of the decisions.
In Meath there seems to be considerable anger. They believe they have been more harshly dealt with than, Mayo whom they blame for starting the fracas. The Seneschalstown club are particularly sole having lost Graham Geraghty and Colm Coyle from their team which is still involved in the county championship.
Tyrone have made widespread changes in their team to face Donegal in Omagh. Following their defeat by Derry in the first round their new manager, Danny Ball, calls up eight who did not figure in that match. Indeed not one player is in the position which he occupied at the start of the Derry match.
Plunkett McCallan makes his debut in goal in place of Finbar McConnell, who is suspended. Recalled to action after long absences are Paul O'Neill, Barry McGinn and Eamon McCaffrey. Also recalled are Chris Lawn, Ronan McGarrity, Fergal Logan and Brian Gormley.
Donegal have named three debutants. Brian McLoughlin (19) and Ronan McLoughlin are new names in attack while Peter McGinley gets a start at right corner back. Tony Boyle moves from full to centre forward, but Manus Boyle is out with a broken nose injury.
The Cavan County Board has taken the unusual step of making a public announcement about Martin McHugh's position as manager of the county team.
Yesterday the Cavan board's PRO, Barney Cully, issued the following statement: "To clear the air regarding the future of Martin McHugh, Cavan county board wish to state that Martin will be returning on Tuesday, January 7th, 1997 to resume his duties as Cavan team manager.
Kerry, beaten first time out by Kildare, have made three changes for Derry's visit to Killarney. Stephen Stack, Eamon Breen and Liam Hassett are injured. Killian Burns comes into the side at right corner back, Fergal O Se takes over from Breen at left half back. In the attack Billy O'Shea returns at left half forward and in a slight reshuffle Dara O Cinneide moves to full forward from centre half.
Two positions have been left vacant on the Kildare team to play Cavan at Kingscourt. John Finn, who played at full back in the win over Kerry, is doubtful after picking up an ankle injury during a challenge game against Wicklow last weekend.
Right half forward Eddie McCormack, Finn's Clane club mate, may also be ruled out because of a damaged shoulder. Selector Pat McCarthy said a final decision on who would fill the positions would be made tomorrow. Otherwise the team is unchanged from the side which defeated Kerry.
. Kerry's Paudie O Se has been reappointed manager of the Munster interprovincial football team for next season's campaign which starts with a game against Connacht at the end of January. John O Keeffe, the Clare manager, and Pat Sheehan of Cork have been reappointed as selectors.
The Munster Council have delayed named their hurling management.
