Keoghan hits out at US-bound duo

Mullohoran clubman Paul Brady is heading Stateside

Cavan boss Donal Keoghan has said that Seanie Johnston and Paul Brady will not play for him again after they decided to spend this summer in America.

Forward Johnston and defender Brady will travel to Chicago later this week to play for club side St Brendan's.

The pair's withdrawal from the squad is a major blow to Cavan's hopes in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers.

"Any fella that goes away to America won't be wearing a Cavan jersey again while I'm in charge," said Keoghan.

Keoghan claims that a third Cavan player also plans to go to the United States, although a county official said the player was still "considering his options".

"I'm very disappointed with them and the lack of respect they've shown for their team-mates, for the management and for the Cavan team," added Keoghan.

"I just got word that a third guy is heading off too and all I can say is that I'm very disappointed with them and their decision.

There's definitely no way they'll be back playing while I'm in charge. Donal Keoghan

"I'll be honest with you, I don't even want to change their minds at this stage.

"If they want to train all year and then up sticks and head off to America then it just shows how much they really care about Cavan football.

"I'm very hurt about it. There's definitely no way they'll be back playing while I'm in charge."

Brady is the world handball champion and he will use his time in Chicago to prepare for the US Handball Open in October.

Meanwhile, Antrim could be without forward Paddy Cunningham for their Tommy Murphy Cup campaign.

Cunningham said he was undecided about whether to follow the Cavan pair and spend the summer in the United States.

Cavan went out of the Ulster championship after a replay defeat to Down while Antrim lost out to Derry in Sunday's quarter-final at Casement Park.