Dessie Dolan facing helicopter dash to RTÉ Studios

Garrycastle have not ruled out organising a helicopter for Dessie Dolan to ensure he fulfils his Saturday Game duties after their Westmeath SFC quarter-final today.

RTÉ yesterday confirmed the former county star will be part of the analysis team in tonight’s show with Tomás Ó Sé and Ciarán Whelan where they will be commenting on the All-Ireland final replay, which has a 5pm start time.

However, Dolan is scheduled to line out with Garrycastle against championship favourites St Loman’s in Mullingar’s TEG Cusack Park at 2.30pm.

For that reason and another clash involving the club’s ladies senior team, Garrycastle had sought a rearrangement.

However, their request was turned down by the county’s competitions control committee.

The club have not ruled out putting Dolan in a helicopter to RTÉ’s Donnybrook base following the game.

“We had a number of reasons for seeking a change of date,” said Garrycastle chairman Mick Mannion.

“Our ladies team are playing a senior final at 1pm, and there are a number of cousins and sisters of the men’s team playing in that,” he continued.

“The timing means that players and supporters alike will not be home in time for the All-Ireland final replay. And then there is the issue of Dessie’s commitments to RTÉ on Saturday evening.

“We requested a change from the county board but that was turned down.

“We were very disappointed with that outcome.

“Dessie is trying his best to fulfil both commitments — if he can’t play there wouldn’t be a person in Garrycastle or Westmeath will think any the lesser of him.

“But the club are exploring a number of options to help him.”

Dolan didn’t play in the early games of this year’s championship but he did come on as a substitute in the games against Castledaly and The Downs in which he made valuable contributions.