Derry’s prospects of landing a first Ulster title since 1998 have been dealt a major blow with the news that Ciaran McFaul won’t be involved in their forthcoming Championship campaign.
The all-action centre-back was a key part of the Glen side who claimed a first-ever Derry SFC title last autumn with Malachy O’Rourke’s side taking Kilcoo to extra-time in the Ulster Club series in December.
Yet, McFaul wasn’t part of the Derry line-up for the Division Two outing against Cork and was a substitute against both Clare and Roscommon.
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After an impressive start, Rory Gallagher’s men were edged out of the promotion berths by Galway and Division Two champions Roscommon.
The Oak Leafers await the winners of this Saturday’s preliminary round tie between 2021 champions Tyrone and Fermanagh at Brewster Park, but Gallagher told The Irish News that McFaul won’t be part of their panel.
“Ciaran’s no longer part of our panel,” said Gallagher.
“It’s come to an end in a way that suits both parties.
“Ciaran’s commitment levels haven’t been what has been needed since the very start of the year and by his own admission he’s not performed as we would expect him to.
“If he wants to revisit that for next year, we’ll certainly look at that but for now he won’t be involved.”
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