Ronan O'Gara seems certain to be fit for Saturday's All-Ireland League Division One clash against Ballymena at Eaton Park. The Cork Constitution out-half is making good progress following a knee injury that forced him to cry off the Ireland squad for last Saturday's Six Nations game against England at Twickenham.
"It has been so frustrating but I would give myself a strong chance of being fit for Saturday providing there are no setbacks in between. I have been able to sprint flat out and also managed punting and line-kicking without any reaction. I have only been place kicking with a soccer ball so we'll have to see how that goes. There will be no contact work before tomorrow night's training."
O'Gara sustained medial knee ligament damage in an accidental collision with Eric Elwood during an Ireland squad training session. Cork Con are still without Conor Mahony and Brian O'Meara while Brian Walsh and Derek Dillon will undergo late fitness tests.
There is a possibility that Sunday's game between Garryowen and Shannon will be brought forward to Saturday to facilitate the Ireland squad get together for next week's international. No decision has at yet been taken to move the fixture. Shannon await medical reports on David Quinlan, Alan Quinlan and Marcus Horan. Peter Stringer will return while Paul McMahon and somewhat surprisingly Rhys Ellison came through a seconds game last weekend.
Young Munster retain the same backline that took the field against Con for their game against Terenure - Mike Mullins is a fullback - but have named a 14-man panel of forwards. Peter Clohessy and Ian Dillon are once again available. Terenure may be without Dermot Blaney, although a decision will be taken later in the week.
Dungannon hope to have Paddy Johns (ear), Tony McWhirter (ankle) and Jonathan Bell (hand) available for their game against DLSP. The latter await medical opinion on Nigel Condron and Rowan Frost. Dual status outhalf Tommy James (Enniscorthy) has been added to the squad.
Buccaneers will be without Gavin Webster but captain Martin Steffert is fit again while opponents Clontarf welcome back Warren O'Kelly and Daragh McElligott after injury. Both sides will select today.
