Donegal’s ambitions for the 2016 season may be about to receive a significant boost.
The county are in the midst of pre-season preparations with their McKenna Cup campaign, while the opening round of the Allianz League is just weeks away.
Ahead of the new competitive season, manager Rory Gallagher has admitted that he wants to try and blood some younger members in his senior inter-county squad.
But according to reports overnight, the Donegal boss may be about to restore one of the county’s most decorated footballers to the fold.
Rory Kavanagh quit Donegal 12 months ago citing work commitments ahead of the 2015 campaign, just two years after he helped the county to their first All-Ireland title since 1992.
The Celtic Cross winning midfielder brought out a book last autumn, ‘Winning’ detailing his exploits on the field in a glittering career, but according to the Donegal Sport Hub, the 33-year-old has been welcomed back to the senior inter-county panel for the forthcoming season.
Manager Rory Gallagher confirmed the news last night,
“I’m delighted that he’s back. It’s great that we’ll have a player of his experience and quality to come into the squad.”
“We’ve known for a period of time that he was coming in – and we’re delighted that he’s agreed to return.”
Kavanagh is currently believed to be training on his own to get his fitness back up to speed and is likely to miss the opening rounds of the league.
His last game for Donegal was the 2014 All-Ireland final loss to Kerry.
Rory Kavanagh coming out of retirement hailed as great news for Donegal.Alternative view would be nothing else coming through.#timewilltell
— Gerry McK (@GMcK2012) January 11, 2016
Good news on the return of Rory Kavanagh to the Donegal squad, hopefully he can erase some of his regrets.. #GAA pic.twitter.com/cn6cAvc7KC
— Donna Martin (@DonnaMartin03) January 11, 2016
Although not everyone is too pleased with his comeback
No harm, and this is nothing personal, but this 'Coming out of retirement' is a load of utter sh*te!! Don't quit in the first place then!
— D Clerkin (@clerkin_d) January 11, 2016
@dickclerkin8 gees and I was going to make big announcement next week!!!🙄😉
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) January 11, 2016
@tomas5ky 🙈🙈😂😂 Ah your too cosy in that chair beside @sportsdes for that!
— D Clerkin (@clerkin_d) January 11, 2016
