O’Neill job in jeopardy after Fermanagh unrest

THE future of Fermanagh football boss John O’Neill is believed to be under threat after reports several players have quit the panel in protest at his management.

At least half a dozen players are believed to have walked off the panel in the past 10 days and the pressure has been cranked up on O’Neill following the county’s defeat to Leitrim in their Division 4 clash on Sunday.

More players dropped out of the camp earlier this month. Among those understood to have made their services unavailable include the Sherry brothers, James and Peter, as well as Tommy McElroy and Niall Bogue.

Speaking last week, O’Neill denied there was player unrest in his camp. “We had 27 players at training this week. The absentees all had entirely legitimate reasons. We have two fellows who have long-term injuries.

“James Sherry has a long-term injury after getting injured against Roscommon and Shane Lyons is undergoing a finger operation.

“A couple of weeks ago, two other senior players, who have been on the Fermanagh panel for eight or 10 years, decided to call it a day.

“They felt they couldn’t give the commitment at this time and we accepted it. These reports have been blown out of all proportion.”

However, it’s understood that a number of players are willing to play for Fermanagh this year — but not as long as O’Neill is in charge.

The Fermanagh situation could be the first test for the GAA’s newly-inked recognition protocol with the GPA.

Part of the agreement is the establishment of a disputes resolution procedure to resolve potential difficulties and for the two organisations to work together to help mediate in possible county disputes.

Fermanagh are third from bottom in Division 4 following the defeat to Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon — ahead of London and Kilkenny.

Despite being 0-7 to 0-1 ahead at half-time, the Ernesiders ended up losing the game by a point, 0-10 to 0-11.