MAYO panellist Michael Walsh is expected to bolster Paul Coggins’ London squad by signing up for the coming season.
Walsh, from Ardnaree Sarsfields, is one of a number of high-profile players scheduled to line-out in the first round of the county SFC this weekend when four fixtures will be fulfilled.
Others names includes former Down panellist Marcus Miskelly and Darren Gilsenan who has been part of the Sligo squad, while former Galway U21 player Cathal O’Neill, brother of London player Eoin O’Neill, has transferred to Tir Chonaill Gaels.
“I would say we are in a slightly better position than the same time last year,” said Coggins. “There are some new additions and hopefully, more names may emerge over the weekend. A lot of the guys have been training hard on their own and they seem in good condition.”
Coggins confirmed that last year’s captain Seamus Hannon (Fulham Irish), Stephen Curran (St Kiernans) and Greg Crowley (Parnells) have all transferred back to London clubs after summer sojourns at their clubs in Ireland.
In the autumn, the County Board and London clubs agreed to fix a round of ‘winter championship’ matches for 2014 after Croke Park yet again determined that players crossing the Irish Sea would not be eligible unless they first lined out at club championship level in London.
This is the third occasion in which London have been forced to reschedule their club championships in order to adhere by the rules.
“It is in the best interest of the clubs and the county team and while it’s not ideal to be playing a round of championship in the winter, it will benefit London in the long term,” said Fulham Irish manager Liam Barry.
Paul Coggins has stated that he is anxious to fix competitive contests ahead of the Exiles opening Allianz National League game against Wicklow in Aughrim on February 2.
“We are looking forward to a good in-house game or a contest against a University side ahead of our National League opener,” he said.
