The Tribesmen's biggest losers
A major surprise, given how he played in the qualifier against Clare at Pearse Stadium in July. The 2005 All Star corner-forward (28) drifted out of favour under Ger Loughnane but during John McIntyre's reign seemed to find his form again. For a spell in 2010 he was a transformed figure as a midfielder and even kept Joe Canning off free-taking duties for a spell.
John Lee
Loughnane sought to build the team around the imposing young centre-back in 2008 after he had won an All-Ireland U-21 title in 2007. But the follow-on from the medical student hasn't justified Loughnane's faith.
Shane Kavanagh
The biggest surprise of all in the purge. The 2010 captain is a fearless competitor who seemed to have made the No 3 shirt his own in recent seasons. The most likely to return first.
Donal Barry
McIntyre brought him in at the start of 2010 and he has been a consistent presence since as a half-back and for a spell as a midfielder. At 24, however, the Castlegar clubman is young enough to return.
Damien Joyce
Captain of the side in 2011 but the writing was on the wall for the 30-year-old when he lost his place after the Leinster semi-final defeat to Dublin.
Adrian Cullinane
Looked to be regaining form all season as he recovered from a career- threatening knee injury but one of those to suffer against Waterford, when he was replaced.
Joe Gantley
One of the few to stand up to Dublin on that disappointing evening in Tullamore when he scored 1-3. Another for whom restoration from this demotion may be swift and necessary.
Irish Independent
