“Unfortunately, Diarmuid will not make it over in time… We are extremely disappointed”

Diarmuid Connolly will not be playing with Donegal Boston this summer.

A small problem with his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) has arisen and as a result, he will not make it over in time to play in the Boston senior football championship. The hope is that the problem will be solved in the embassy this week, however with July 1 the deadline for all American GAA sanctions and transfers, Connolly will not be playing competitive football stateside this summer. Donegal Boston chairman Paul Martin McDaid confirmed the news to SportsJOE on Monday morning and he moved to dispel the rumours that the St Vincent's club man had been refused entry to the USA. He paid tribute to Connolly for the impact he had on the club last year, where he was instrumental in helping them win the Boston SFC after final losses in 2016 and 2017.

"Diarmuid has a small problem with his ESTA which Aer Lingus were notified of. "The problem is only minor and will hopefully be fixed in the embassy this week, however our deadline is today July 1st so unfortunately Diarmuid will not make it over in time. "Naturally we are all extremely disappointed as Diarmuid had a great impact on our club and Boston GAA both on and off the pitch last year. We’ve been made aware of rumours about Diarmuid being refused entry and that is not the case. We hope this clears things up," he added.

Donegal Boston are however, planning for the championship with a strong hand and they confirmed their full list of sanctions to us on the deadline this morning.

• Barry John Keane (Kerry)
• Mark Bradley (Tyrone)
• Ciaran Murtagh (Roscommon)
• Ray Connellan (Westmeath)
• John Bingham (Louth)
• Gary Walsh (Laois)
• Terence Doherty (Donegal)
• Cian Clinton (Leitrim)
• Kane Barrett (Donegal)
• Aaron Murphy (Kerry)
• Carl Dunnion (Donegal)
• Shane Carthy (Dublin)
• Cory Gallagher (Donegal)
• Charlie Doherty (Donegal)
• Colum Hayden (Dublin)
• Aaron Deeney- Donegal