SCOTSTOWN’S Sean McCarville has been given the task of revitalising Monaghan’s football fortunes. McCarville’s appointment as manager of the senior county team was ratified at last night’s county committee meeting.
He was chosen from a number of candidates who were interviewed for the post last week and he takes over from Eamonn McEneaney, who stepped down after two years in sole charge following the county’s defeat by Fermanagh in the Ulster Senior football championship at the end of May.
McCarville is no stranger to the county scene as he was involved as an assistant to Michael McCormick during his term of office and he also brings to the position a wealth of experience as a player.
McCarville hopes to name his back up team within the next couple of weeks and plans to assemble a preliminary panel towards the end of August.
PJ McKenna, who was assistant to Eamonn McEneaney during his two-year term as senior manager has been given the task of managing the county U21 team.
DOWN manager Pete McGrath last night claimed Gregory McCartan is unlikely to start Sunday’s Bank of Ireland Ulster football final against Armagh.
The midfielder is fit and raring to go after making a speedy recovery from cruciate knee ligament surgery, and although McGrath indicated he may leave him in reserve, he will make up his mind tonight when he confirms the final team selection.
“Gregory is in great shape, he’s eager to play and although he’s very close he probably won’t start,” said the manager.
“He has been a very experienced player and a very important player for Down for around five years now and to have him back when only a few months ago it seemed he wouldn’t be available is a great boost.”
Finbar Caulfield will be able to play despite a recurring hamstring problem which has forced him to sit out several training sessions recently
ARMAGH continued their build-up to Sunday’s Bank of Ireland Ulster football final with a weekend break in the west of Ireland and happily reported back injury-free.
“We had a good work out and also enjoyed some rest,” said team spokesman Paddy Nugent.
“Thankfully everyone is fit and well and it’s just a matter of counting down the days at this stage.”
The only likely change will be finding a replacement for Alan O’Neill, who sustained a spinal injury early in the semi-final win over Derry.
The man who came on at Clones that day, Cathal O’Rourke, would seem a strong contender while Tony McEntee - who also came on as a substitute against Derry - is also thought to be in the frame.
