Defensive crisis for Down footballers
Down are facing an injury crisis in defence, ahead of their Ulster Senior Football Championship tie against Donegal on May 31.
The beaten Division 2 National League finalists, are struggling to have players fit on time for the provincial quarter-final clash.
Down manager James McCartan says the prospects for his defence are grim at present.
"On the full-back line, Danny McArdle and Damien Rafferty both have hamstring problems," he said.
"A couple of guys who have been used throughout the league as replacements, Aidan Brannigan has a broken foot; and Kevin Duffin torn ligaments in his ankle.
"So yes we are stretched defensively no doubt."
The Mourne side are also without defender Daniel McCartan, who failed to have his red card dismissal against Armagh, overturned at a recent appeal hearing.
His manager says that the decision has now been accepted, and that the DRA route will not be taken.
"If we hadn't been playing in the league final the suspension wouldn't have happened, but it is just one of those things.
"It's very hard on the player, it's hard on us, but much harder on the player.
"I'm not sure there was much malice involved, but he was punished and has taken his punishment and it is time to move on.
"We are not trying to pursue it any further."
James McCartan was speaking at today's launch of the inaugural 'Red and Black 1960 Poker Classic' which takes place at the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday, May 22.
All funds generated from the event will be used to finance the Down Senior Football team training fund.
