Galway footballers are in danger of having to face into this year's championship without the services of Michael Donnellan. The 1998 Young Footballer of the Year had been expected to rejoin the county panel in time for championship training but it now appears that his soccer commitments with Galway United will not permit a return in sufficient time for county manager John O'Mahony's deadline.
Although reluctant to deliver an ultimatum, O'Mahony confirmed that "there is no question of any player being permitted to walk back into training whenever it suits him". Misunderstanding has arisen over the terms of Donnellan's contract with Galway United.
Originally it was believed that the player could combine playing with training for the county panel. But Don O'Riordan, manager of Galway United, has made it clear that he doesn't want the player doing both before his soccer contract expires at the end of April.
The loss of an in-form Donnellan would seriously hamper Galway's ambitions. He is capable of match-winning performances and has a proven temperament on big occasions. His being out-of-sorts last year was a major factor in Galway's defeat by Mayo in the Connacht final.
Two years ago there was a similarly anxious wait for Jarlath Fallon, who had spent the winter playing rugby before making himself available at the beginning of April after Galway's National League run had concluded.
Fallon went on to become Footballer of the Year as the county won its first All-Ireland in 32 years.
O'Mahony has been in contact with Donnellan but as yet the matter is unresolved. "It was hoped that Michael would manage to combine some involvement with the panel before the end of April or beginning of May but if every involvement is precluded, there will be a difficult situation and it's not looking like he'll be available until then."
Donnellan was not available for comment.
O'Mahony has better news with the return from Australia of Sean de Paor, Shay Walsh and Derek Savage, all of whom will be in contention for a place in Sunday's match against Tyrone.
The controversy surrounding UCD's alleged four substitutions during Saturday's Sigerson Cup semi-final against NUI Galway was caused by confusion over the numbering of the UCD panel. As a result the introduction of Ronan Kelly, number 16, was counted twice by some observers.
In the first case this was for the real substitution and secondly when the player listed in the programme as 16, Gerry McGill, was announced as replacing Cormac O Muircheartaigh - who was not replaced.
McGill is the substitute goalkeeper and was wearing number 33. All three substitutions were submitted to referee Pat McEneaney whose record of the match supports UCD's position.
