DONEGAL has withdrawn from this next Sunday’s Dr McKenna Cup semi-final due to the unavailability of players.
Donegal GAA manager Declan Bonner said it was not a decision taken lightly but that player welfare had to be front and centre.
“CLG Dhún na nGall have formally written to the Ulster CCCC to withdraw from their scheduled Dr McKenna Cup semi-final next Sunday afternoon in Brewster Park, a decision not taken lightly and one which we regret having to reach but player welfare is paramount,” said a club spokesperson.
“Much higher than anticipated attrition of players due to injuries and illness, particularly a flu virus, has let to this regretful decision – at Wednesday night’s McKenna Cup match we were only able to tog out 23 players out of the possible 26 and three more players picked up injuries during that game and will be out of contention for the next fourteen days. From a player welfare perspective it would be wrong to ask them to tog out if not fully recovered.
“Donegal have 13 players involved in Sigerson competition games on Sunday and combined with injuries/illness we are in a position that we physically do not have sufficient fit players for the semi-final. Nor are we able to dip into our under 20 squad as the team is playing Roscommon on Saturday in the Leo Murphy Development Cup.
“We always hold the Dr McKenna Cup in the highest regard, would very much like to participate in this semi-final and very much regret having to withdraw.”
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