Rory Gallagher has revealed that he will not play for Fermanagh in the coming season.

The news is a huge blow to the county's prospects of making an impact in 2003.

Earlier this year, Gallagher equalled the all-time Ulster Championship scoring record when he hit 3-9 in Fermanagh's win over Monaghan.

That form helped him receive an Allstar nomination while he also represented Ulster in the Railway Cup.

Gallagher told the Impartial Reporter that he had informed team boss Dominic Corrigan of his decision to quit the squad.

I'm not in the business of persuading people to play for their county Fermanagh boss Dominic Corrigan

"I am not prepared to go into the reasons, they are my own reasons but I have told Dom Corrigan why," said Gallagher.

The Belleek man recently took up a coaching post with St Brigid's in Dublin and plays for the city outfit as does his cousin Raymond.

Gallagher's residency in Dublin will inevitably lead to speculation that he could opt for Tommy Lyons' side but the player has refused to comment on this.

A number of Fermanagh players were thought to be unhappy with the mileage rates they were given last season but this was understood to have been sorted out.

Fermanagh boss Dominic Corrigan said he was "disappointed" by Gallagher's decision.

Challenge game

"Rory is a wonderful footballer and of course I'm disappointed that he won't be involved for the coming year," said Corrigan.

"However, I'm not in the business of persuading people to play for their county," he added.

Fermanagh resumed training a fortnight ago and Corrigan is in the process of finalising a panel.

The Erne County will take on UUJ in a challenge game at Irvinestown on Saturday morning (1130 GMT).

Fermanagh will take on Tyrone in the McKenna Cup on 5 January.