Donegal rocked by Ryan McHugh departure on eve of Championship campaign

Donegal have suffered a huge blow on the eve of the Ulster Championship with the news that Ryan McHugh has left the panel.

The influential wing-back was unlikely to feature in the Ulster SFC quarter-final meeting with Down on Sunday, April 23 as he continues to recover from injury.

However, his absence will be keenly felt later in the campaign with Donegal guaranteed at least three further games in the Sam Maguire round-robin series.

Read more: Armagh vs Antrim: Andy McEntee’s Saffrons braced for Orchard backlash

The Kilcar clubman told Donegal Daily that he won’t feature for the county this summer due to work commitments abroad.

Ryan McHugh was Man-of-the-Match as Donegal defeated Armagh in the opening round of last year's Ulster SFC in Ballybofey (©INPHO/Morgan Treacy)

McHugh’s departure is a major blow to Donegal’s Championship prospects which already appeared bleak after the resignation of Paddy Carr last month and their relegation from Division One.

Carr’s assistant Aidan O’Rourke has been installed as interim manager for the remainder of the season with former Derry star Paddy Bradley remaining on as coach.

Donegal captain Paddy McBrearty is also sidelined at present after suffering a hamstring injury in their round two defeat to Tyrone in Omagh.

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