Ireland's provisional squad for next month's International Rules Series in Australia has been hit by four withdrawals in the last 48 hours.
Irish manager Pete McGrath selects a 26-man panel for the trip Down Under next Monday, but Dublin forward Conal Keaney and Armagh trio Steven McDonnell, Paul McGrane and Andy Mallon will not be included.
All three of the Orchard stars have cited "personal reasons" for not making themselves available to travel, although their county compatriots Ronan Clarke and goalkeeper Paul Hearty remain in contention for a squad place.
The loss of McDonnell is a big one as Ireland attempt to retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup.
The two-time All-star scored 12 points in last October's first Test defeat of the Aussies.
Keaney, who failed to make the Irish squad last year, is the third Dublin player to cry off the 2005 provisional squad after Alan Brogan (ankle) and Ciaran Whelan (family commitments).
Like Brogan, Ballyboden St Enda's attacker Keaney is due an ankle operation.
McGrath's squad take on the Australians, who are coached by Essendon boss Kevin Sheedy this year, in Perth on Friday, 21 October, and Melbourne, seven days later.
