Kerins back with Galway hurlers

Alan Kerins is to rejoin the Galway hurling panel after a U-turn by the county management following recent negotiations.

Kerins, who represents his county in both hurling and football, was dropped by hurling manager Noel Lane last month after refusing to abandon his dual career.

A statement from the county board at the time claimed Kerins’ commitment to both codes did "not meet the 100 per cent focus that Noel Lane and his mangement team are demanding from all panel members."

The Clarinbridge forward, a substitute for Galway’s opening football championship match with Roscommon tomorrow, has now been welcomed back to the hurling fold and will train with the rest of the panel on Monday evening.

The move follows delicate negotiations behind the scenes, the upshot of which was a compromise regarding Kerins’ position. Kerins has been in fine form recently and will join his brother Mark on the Galway panel.

Phelim Murphy, secretary of the Galway county board, told ireland.comthis afternoon: "This has been an issue that wasn't going to go away and Alan himself has been desperate to get involved in the hurling in time for the championship.

"Alan and Noel came to an agreement and he’ll train with the rest of the lads on Monday. He’s a smashing player and we’re delighted to have him back."

Galway, uncontested in Connacht, don’t open their hurling campaign until the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

The issue of dual players is one of the most contentious in GAA, with rows erupting on a regular basis.

Limerick hurling manager Eamonn Cregan’s resignation from his post earlier this year, a decision that was subsequently rescinded, was believed to have been fuelled over disagreements regarding his stance on dual players.