James Dolan, who captained Westmeath in their O’Byrne cup final loss to Meath, has left the inter-county squad ahead of this season's All-Ireland Championship.

Dolan, who is the squad's vice captain but wore the armband last weekend, has gone to America 11 days out from Westmeath's crucial championship match against Laois.

This is a huge blow for the Division 3 team and the debate over his sudden departure came up for discussion on Friday's OTB AM, with fellow county-man Adrian Barry, unhappy with the timing of his exit: “What’s he doing playing in the league taking up someone’s position who is ultimately going to have to play in the championship. It impacts the team."

Eoin Sheahan wasn't having any of it though, responding: “He’s well within his rights. He’s not a professional athlete, he’s an amateur, he has to think about his career."

However, Adrian believes he shouldn't have taken up a place in the league if he was heading stateside for the summer, adding: “He should have done that five months ago. If I was a teammate of his I’d be saying that’s not on. Decide you’re in it at the start of the year or you’re out."

This is not the first time this case has happened this season as Carlow footballer Brendan Murphy also left for America mid-season.

However, Murphy had made it known to management earlier in the season and explained that at the time: “For me, this is the right time to go”.

What is your opinion on this matter? Should Gaelic Footballers be free to leave when the chance arises or should they commit and stay if they start a season with their counties?

Written by Stephen Kierans