Queen's University have withdrawn from the upcoming Dr McKenna Cup competition.

In a statement issued today, the Belfast college said it was unhappy that a number of county teams have named college players in their squads for the subsidiary competition.

'Queen's University Gaelic Football Club have decided with regret to withdraw from the 2013 Dr McKenna Cup.

'The club were hoping for some resolution to the ongoing issue in relation to the availability of college players to their university, but this hasn't happened. 



'Participation at this stage would involve the loss of a significant number of first team players to counties and added to injury and exam pressures, we don't think anyone could expect a university team to play at this level without so many players.

'Furthermore, the prospect of heavy losses would do little for morale and preparation ahead of the Sigerson Cup competition. 

We are very disappointed that the competition regulations have not been adhered to.

'It seems clear that some counties refused to restructure their panels in line with Competition Regulations. 

At all times we have been open and available to talk and negotiate with the county managers. We are disappointed that this openness to discussion has not been reciprocated by particular counties.

'

Like UUJ and St Mary's, we were privileged to be asked to join the McKenna Cup back in 2003. We believe that that decision by Comhairle Uladh rejuvenated the competition and added a new dimension.

'We have enjoyed the experience and we are grateful to the past and present members of Comhairle Uladh. Our participation in the McKenna Cup was good for college football and it played no small part in driving us to Sigerson Cup success in 2007.

'Earning a place in the McKenna Cup final of 2009 was one of the proudest achievements in the history of the club and the university and we do hope to participate again.

'We also believe that our participation (and that of UUJ and St Mary's) was good for intercounty football and the game in general in the province.

'Therefore, we feel that it is a real shame that it has come to this. We believe that a number of counties are being unfair to the colleges, and to Comhairle Uladh and the other counties who have played within the competition regulations.

'They are also being very unfair to the students whom they have selected for their teams and we know that undue pressure has been placed on those students last year and this year to declare for their county. This is not within the spirit of the competition or our games.
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