Ian O'Riordan

The issue of player transfers was raised again yesterday after Fermanagh forward Raymond Gallagher announced he wouldn't be returning to his county panel. It follows the move of his cousin Rory Gallagher, who left Fermanagh after the 2002 season and now seems poised to join the Dublin panel.

Both Gallaghers now play their football with Dublin club St Brigid's, who they helped win a first county title and set up next month's All-Ireland club semi-final against Gealtacht. Raymond said he would make a final decision about his future after the club championship, although a return to Fermanagh was currently not one of his options.

"At the moment I just cannot see myself lining out for Fermanagh again," he said. "It's been a difficult decision but I've thought about it long and hard over the winter and I feel it is time to move on."

Gallagher, however, also put the departure of Fermanagh trainer Martin McElkennon as one of the main reasons behind his decision. McElkennon has since joined Eamon Coleman at Cavan, with whom he previously worked at Derry, in a move that is understood to have prompted Dominic Corrigan's decision to step down as manager. Corrigan has since been replaced by Charlie Mulgrew.

Although Gallagher has resisted any talk of a possible move to Dublin, the transfer of cousin Rory would almost certainly see him come into line for a similar call-up. The Dublin County Board is due to make a formal decision on the issue before the end of the month.

Tyrone, meanwhile, have lost yet another player to injury as they approach the start of their National Football League title defence. Forward Stephen O'Neill, who was regularly used during last summer's championship success, sustained a collar bone injury at the start of Sunday's McKenna Cup tie with Antrim, and at the very least will miss their opening game against Dublin on February 1st.

O'Neill joins team captain Peter Canavan on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. Yet manager Mickey Harte, who also learnt last week that defender Declan McCrossan was taking a break from the game, hasn't lost sight of winning the McKenna Cup title, the one piece of silverware he lamented not collecting last year. Should they beat UUJ under floodlights tomorrow evening they will meet either Donegal or Down in the final, who this Sunday contest the one semi-final at Clones.

Elsewhere, Croke Park yesterday announced one correction to the venues fixed by the Games Administration Committee (GAC) for next month's All-Ireland club semi-finals. The football semi-final involving The Loup of Derry and Galway champions Caltra will take place at Markievicz in Sligo on February 22nd, and not in Clones as was initially circulated.

Finally, Dublin manager Tommy Lyons has lined up a challenge game against Derry in Lusk this Sunday as part of his team's preparations for the upcoming league. On the same day the senior hurlers begin the defence of their Walsh Cup title against Wexford at the St Martin's club in Piercetown.

Sunday's Kehoe Cup senior hurling match between Kildare and DIT will take place at Naas (2 p.m.) and not Clane, as originally scheduled.