GAELIC GAMES:ST MUREDACH'S College have had to pull out of the Connacht senior football championship because of swine flu .

The Ballina school were due to play St Jarlath’s in the provincial semi-final yesterday, but withdrew because they could not field a team as 12 players were ruled out through swine flu and injuries.

St Jarlath’s, the most prolific winners of the Connacht colleges title with 46 crowns, were granted a walkover and will now meet the winners of today’s semi-final between St Mary’s from Galway city and St Colman’s of Claremorris.

Robbie Reynolds, the St Muredach’s team manager, said they had no choice but to withdraw from the competition because so many players were missing.

“Between swine flu and injuries we couldn’t field a team. It is the first time it has ever happened us and is very tough on the lads. We have around 10 or 12 lads from the first team missing.

“It is a very unfortunate situation and nobody wanted to be knocked out this way.”