MEN'S HOCKEY:International players Graham Shaw and Stephen Butler will not take part in the Mills Cup Final after Glenanne's request to rearrange the match against Fingal was denied.
National coach David Passmore barred the players from the St Patrick's Day showpiece, with a view to keeping a fresh squad for Tuesday's international friendly with the Netherlands.
He did, however, offer to release Butler and Shaw for Friday night. This option was rejected by the Leinster Branch management committee as the match has been organised since last August and is a highlight event in the province's calendar.
Noel Keogh, Glenanne's co-coach, sees the turn of events as "demeaning for both the players and the competition". He added, "Butler and Shaw are being punished for playing for their country".
Other than the international pair, Keogh reported a clean bill of health for his squad, despite knocks last week to Mark Lambe and Kevin O'Malley.
Glenanne take on a Fingal side looking to be the first north Dublin team to win the Mills Cup since St Ita's in 1965. It is also the side's first tilt at the premier Leinster cup in their 51-year history. They enter the final as slight underdogs, playing a Glenanne side that has contested eight of the past 12 finals.
Results between the sides this season, though, have been extremely tight, and Keogh described his side as "lucky" to pick up two 4-3 wins. The Glens scored twice in the final minute in the Neville Cup on the way to a golden goal win, and also benefited in the league from a missed penalty stroke.
Fingal coach John MacInerney has his own availability concerns with talismanic forward David Bane rated as only 50-50 after a hamstring strain last week. Bane will be given until "the last minute" to prove his fitness.
A late decision will also be taken on which goalkeeper will be used. Eoin Connolly and Nigel Grothier turned out in a friendly at Grange Road during the week and have shared the role for much of the season.
