By Michael McMullan

DUNGANNON Clarkes manager Christopher Rafferty said the injury sustained by Pádraig McNulty is a ‘big blow’.

After starting his first game of the season in Tyrone’s win over Kildare, he retained his spot until he was forced off during the first half after a clash for possession with Odhran McFadden-Ferry.

McNulty was replaced after a lengthy stoppage with a break in his arm.

“That has been a big blow for everybody, more so him,” said Clarke, who begins his fifth season as manager of Dungannon.

“It is a five or six month recuperation period. We are genuinely very disappointed as much as anything else.

“It is a big thing to overcome. It was his 30th birthday on Sunday and when you get to that age, you don’t need any major injuries. It was very, very unfortunate.”

McNulty was the Dungannon captain when they won the 2020 championship after an epic campaign littered with extra time wins. With his chances of featuring for Tyrone this season all but over, he faces a race against time for the Clarkes’ assault on the O’Neill Cup.

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