Ryan McMenamin would appear to be the clear favourite to take over as Fermanagh manager after both Kieran Donnelly and Dom Corrigan ruled themselves out this week.

Donnelly, who led Scotstown to the Ulster Club final last year and has enjoyed MacRory Cup success with Omagh CBS in recent years, has cited family commitments as the main reason for not putting his name forward for the role while Corrigan explained that his full focus is on pushing on trying to retain the MacRory Cup with St Michael’s.

“It’s a job I would love to do at some point in the future put I can’t commit to it at this stage because of family reasons,” said Donnelly. “We are expecting our fourth child in September so it just wouldn’t be possible as inter-county football is all consuming while I’m also managing Scotstown at the minute,” he stated.

Corrigan was another that was widely tipped as a possible successor to Rory Gallagher. The St Michael’s school teacher led them to MacRory and Hogan Cup glory in the spring while he has also tasted club championship success in both Tyrone and Monaghan.

However, he is committed to giving his all to trying to help St Michael’s retain the MacRory Cup.

“It just is not possible to do the two jobs, taking a colleges side requires a huge amount of time and effort and I’m committed to that this coming year. We’ll be getting back down to work in September and ultimately our goal will be to retain the MacRory Cup,” said Corrigan.

It is understood though that McMenamin, who served two years as Gallagher’s assistant manager, is keen on the post and is currently working on putting together a strong backroom team should be get the job.

The Tyrone All Ireland winner is well liked among the squad and what his appointment would provide would be continuity as the Ernemen look to build on the progress made over the last two years.

County Chairman Greg Kelly told the Impartial Reporter last week that while he wouldn’t put a timeline on an appointment, he would like it done sooner rather than later and nominations forms have been sent to the clubs and the nominations will close this Sunday.

An Appointment Committee that consists of Chairman Greg Kelly, Secretary Tom Boyle, Treasurer Sean Burns and former player Tom Brewster will then oversee the appointment process.