As ever, player turnover is a big factor for the Exiles. Robert Mulhern documents some of the comings and goings ahead of the season’s throw-in.
PLAYERS IN
CATHAL McCARRON
The Tyrone defender must have pinched himself when taking to the pitch in Mitcham for the opening round of the London championship. Less the six months previous, The Red Hands player was lining out for his county in an All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo but now the Dromore native has switched to south London club Round Towers.
McCarron went on to receive an All-Star nomination in the autumn and he has the ability to become a central figure in Paul Coggins’ plans over the coming weeks and months.
Michael WalshMICHAEL WALSH
Like McCarron, Michael Walsh has been operating in the rarefied atmosphere that is the lot of All-Ireland contenders. Walsh was a panellist on the Mayo team beaten by Dublin in last season’s All-Ireland final and has lined out for his county at senior level in the Allianz League. Now he is a Fulham Irish player and the pedigree of his previous team makes him one to watch when he dons London green.
Adrian FlahertyADRIAN FLAHERTY
Faherty arrives in London with form. The former Galway goalkeeper made his debut for the Tribesmen in 2008, but he starred in his London club debut playing outfield in a roving roll that saw him return 1-1.
However the Neasden Gaels man is being considered for a net-minding role with the county side.
Marcus MiskellyMARCUS MISKELLY
The ex-Down player is reputed to have made a big impression since joining up with the London squad. Rated by Lorcan Mulvey as thoroughly professional in his approach, in addition to being a decent operator, Miskelly made his debut for Down in 2012 and has also proven ability as a free-taker.
PLAYERS OUT
Ciaran McCallionCIARAN McCALLION
Having put down nearly six years of service for London, Ciaran McCallion defines an era. The Derry native, who won an All-Ireland medal as a minor, started out under Noel Dunning in 2009 and suffered in the trenches as the Exiles rebuilt and rebuilt again as only London teams can.
Personnel changed, but McCallion endured, finding personal reward in scores plundered against the backdrop of defeat. This level of performance was consistent as his appearances on the team sheet season after season attests, and then London defied the odds to beat Fermanagh in the Qualifiers, having brought Mayo to extra time in what was a memorable 2011 season.
It was to get more memorable and magical in 2013, when London became the GAA story of the summer. He leaves with an array of scores to his name, his goal against Leitrim in the replayed Connacht semi-final in Dr Hyde Park the one that springs to mind. So long and the best of luck.
Caolan DoyleCAOLAN DOYLE
Having never played for Derry at any level or grade, Caolan Doyle became a key figure in London’s run to the Connacht final last season. Big, strong and surefooted, the schoolteacher shone in the Exiles’ historic defeat of Sligo in last season’s opening round and his influence extended to Tir Chonaill Gaels where he won a club championship medal in 2012.
There were surreal moments along the way, none more so than the appearance of Marty Morrissey and a recording team at his north London school last summer. Doyle has made for greener pastures — in Qatar. But work, not the World Cup, awaits this soccer fan.
