louth GAA have been dealt a huge blow with the news that forward Ciarán Byrne is to miss the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
This is the second time that the former AFL star has suffered a serious knee injury, the first of which occurred in 2016 when the St Mochta's club man was plying his trade down under for Carlton.
Byrne went down injured in last week's defeat to Clare in the Allianz League opener and scans have since confirmed what was feared most when he was stretchered off the pitch in Ennis last Sunday.
READ MORE: All-Ireland senior club football final ordered to be replayed by GAA's CCCC
The news comes as a body blow to Mickey Harte who was buoyed by Byrne's involvement with the panel after the 28-year-old rejected an offer to return to the AFL at the end of 2022.
Harte took over as Louth manager in 2020 after calling it quits following 18 years in the hot-seat with Tyrone. The Glencull man has led Louth to back-to-back promotions in his time in charge.
After starting well against Clare last week, Louth faltered in the second period, with Jamie Malone's late score winning it for last season's All-Ireland quarter-finalists.
Louth welcome Derry to Ardee in Round Two of the league this Sunday.
READ NEXT:
Katie Taylor 3Arena headache emerges as Eddie Hearn names date for Dublin homecoming fight
Johnny Sexton doesn't have personal point to prove to Warren Gatland
Padraig Harrington opens up on debilitating injury and how it interferes with his life
Ruby Walsh questions length of Ronan McNally's record 12-year ban from horse racing
Katie Taylor fans fume over Croke Park decision as Dublin homecoming date confirmed
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
