McGowan ruled out as O'Brien dismisses rumours of return for veteran Curran

GARRYCASTLE forward Rory McGowan has been ruled out of Saturday's eagerly-awaited All-Ireland club semi-final against near neighbours St Brigid's - while Brigid's manager Noel O'Brien has dismissed suggestions locally of veteran goalkeeper Shane Curran making a sensational return for the game. The meeting of Leinster champions Garrycastle and Connacht kingpins St Brigid's has ignited huge interest around the midlands and further afield. However, misfortune has struck for Garrycastle's Rory McGowan, who will miss the match after recently undergoing surgery. Garrycastle GAA chairman, John Henson this week confirmed that McGowan recently underwent "a medical procedure", and will not be available to manager Anthony Cunningham for Saturday's crunch encounter at Pearse Park, Longford (2pm). McGowan has been an important player in Garrycastle's attack over recent years, and put in very consistent performances throughout the current campaign. The wing-forward, who has also represented Westmeath, was on the scoresheet in both the original county final, against Mullingar Shamrocks, and also the subsequent replay. And he performed capably in the Leinster championship victories over Longford Slashers, Athy and St Brigid's of Dublin. In better news for Garrycastle followers, Henson said that both Dessie Dolan and James Duignan have shaken-off the effects of recent bouts of illness, and are fit to play. Garrycastle supporters received a huge fright when news that Dolan was suffering from flu' emerged last week. However, their fears over Dolan's availability for the semi-final were allayed when he appeared at Moate Community School's Leinster Colleges victory over St Peter's, Wexford last weekend. Henson confirmed Dolan has trained with Garrycastle since, and "is raring to go" for Saturday. Neither camp is expected to name their starting line-ups until Friday evening, with St Brigid's waiting on the fitness of Damien Kelleher before rubber-stamping their team. Meanwhile, St Brigid's manager Noel O'Brien has brushed away suggestions that Shane Curran could make a shock return to the St Brigid's team for Saturday's eagerly awaited encounter. It's been suggested in some quarters that the 40-year-old, who has been recently coaching the goalkeepers at St Brigid's, is now competing for the number one jersey for Saturday's match. However, Noel O'Brien said: "No, that's definitely not on the cards. I'm not trying to kid anybody, Shane will definitely not be starting Saturday's match. There are a lot of rumours going around, there always are when a match attracts such hype and interest, but I wouldn't believe everything you hear. Shane's been doing a great job coaching our two other goalkeepers, and that's all there is to it." James Martin was the Brigid's goalkeeper for the Connacht final win over Corofin and the subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final win over Fulham Irish. His cousin, Philip Martin, was Brigid's sub 'keeper in both those games. O'Brien said Kelleher has been suffering with a leg injury, rating his prospects of playing as "probably only 50-50". However, the half-forward will be given as much time as possible to make the game. The St Brigid's manager also said he doesn't expect his starting line-up to differ dramatically from the teams that took the field in the Connacht final, and the All-Ireland quarter-final against Fulham Irish. "Apart from Damien, we've a few little knocks and niggles, but nothing to worry about, and certainly nothing serious enough to keep anyone from playing in this game," said O'Brien, who is looking to take Brigid's to a second straight All-Ireland club final. No live TV coverage of big game *Contrary to previously released information by TG4 and the GAA, the St Brigid's v Garrycastle All-Ireland semi-final will NOT be televised 'live' on TG4. Instead, the other semi-final between Crossmaglen Rangers and Dr Crokes will be shown 'live', with deferred coverage of the Brigid's v Garrycastle game afterwards. *See the 24-page souvenir supplement in week's Westmeath Independent for detailed pre-match coverage.