'Michael Hegarty isn’t likely to make it at this stage, but we’ll see later on in the week. He hasn’t taken part in any training.' Manager Brian McIver faces a nervous wait to see if influential forward Michael Hegarty will be fit for Donegal's Ulster SFC semi-final clash with Tyrone on Sunday. However, Brendan Devenney (stomach) and Ciaran Bonner (tonsils removed) are both expected to start.
'Perhaps what Brian Cody should be addressing is the rules, not the assessors or the referees. The system of assessment has been in place for about 10 years now and maybe back then, when it came out first, some referees weren’t comfortable. But now the relationship is much more harmonious.' National Referees’ Committee spokesman Fr Seamus Gardiner insists the referees are comfortable with the current assessment from the stands, despite Kilkenny manager Brian Cody's assertions.
'It's just something we have done now the last couple of years and we're going to stick with it. It's good, we like it. When you look up to the Hill, and it's full of blue, it gives you the extra bit you need.' Star forward Conal Keaney defends Dublin's somewhat controversial pre-match routine which sees them parade towards Hill 16 as a collective unit.
'My reply was simply articulating the committee's position, which was that the referee had seen the incident and awarded two frees. The article in question quoted one small section of the rule, but the CCCC was aware of their powers under Rule 44.' GAA President Nickey Brennan rejects The Sunday Tribune's assertions that he misquoted the rule book when asked about the Graham Geraghty situation last week.
'That somebody's up in the stands is always at the back of your mind. I would go along with what Brian (Cody) said in that young referees are very aware of it, even if more experienced ones like myself are more used to it. The view is that 'yellow is yellow' and 'red is red' but it's not as clear-cut as that all the time. Referees have to have some discretion.' Limerick official Pat O'Connor gives his views on Cody's recent comments.
'If you're out before 82,000 in Croke Park, one fella writing up in the stand isn't the problem.' There's no arguing with Wexford ref Dickie Murphy response to the recent debate.
