Chairman of the Derry County Board, Brendan Molloy said no members of the local branches attended that meeting and he was shocked when he heard the decision.

BBC: Traditional musicians

Farmers, businessmen and landowners have joined together under the Alternative A5 Alliance grouping in a legal challenge to the planned stretch of dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.

BBC: A5 scheme 'not properly assessed', court told

However, it was clearly an unsatisfactory end to the Spring and manager Paddy Crozier's well-publicised disagreement with the county board only increased doubts about Derry's capacity to be a factor in this year's championship.

BBC: SPORT | Northern Ireland | Gaelic Games | Low-key build-up to Omagh clash

These include his concerns over player welfare and Cassidy is also known to be concerned about the impact of Derry's competitive club football scene on the county side.

BBC: Cassidy tipped to succeed Crozier

Four opening wins in this year's National League raised hopes of a Derry footballing revival but three closing defeats ended the county's prospects of making the knockout stages.

BBC: SPORT | Northern Ireland | Gaelic Games | Low-key build-up to Omagh clash

Ironically, Mickey Moran, who quit the Donegal job after the county's All-Ireland Quarter-Final defeat by Dublin, seems certain to take over as Derry manager.

BBC: Coleman approached by Donegal