THE DONEGAL manager, Rory Gallagher, has questioned the participation of the college teams in the January inter-county competitions.
Gallagher’s Donegal team are not participating in the Dr McKenna Cup this month with the Under-21s, managed by Declan Bonner, instead taking part.
Gallagher would have been without a host of players for the competition. Last month, Gallagher noted that he had 14 players who were to line out for colleges in competition this month.
Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McHugh, Eoin McHugh (UUJ); Martin O’Reilly (Queens); Caolan Ward (IT Carlow); Caolan McGonigle Cian Mulligan, Conor Morrison, Hugh McFadden (DCU); Jamie Brennan, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Eamonn McGrath (IT Sligo); Kieran Gillespie, Ciaran Thompson (DIT); and Mark Coyle (GMIT) are all to play for their college teams in McKenna Cup, O’Byrne Cup and FBD Leagues.
“I know Declan has done some trading with a number of colleges to get some lads freed up at some stage,” Gallagher said at a press conference this week.
UUJ, St Mary’s and Queen’s all compete in the Dr McKenna Cup.
Gallagher said: “I don’t think they should be in the competition. They play in the Ryan Cup, the McKenna Cup and the Sigerson. The average club player only plays League football and Championship football.
“The McKenna Cup is of no use or benefit to us as we don’t have access to the players.”
Donegal take on Cavan at Sean MacCumhaill Park this Sunday in the McKenna Cup.
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