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