Antrim hurling manager PJ O'Mullan has been dealt another blow with the news that Arron Graffin will be unable to commit to his squad for the forthcoming season.

Graffin, who has played with the Saffrons for nine seasons now and is currently Cushendall's captain, will go travelling with his girlfriend for an extended period in April.

The 27-year-old told The Irish News that he has agreed on an extended break with his boss and confirmed that he will play no part for Antrim next season.

"It's open ended, we'll take it as we see it and we've put no real time frame on it. But unfortunately I'll not be available to the Saffrons in 2016," said Graffin.

While the news comes as a blow to O'Mullan, who is still uncertain over whether or not starlets Neil McManus and CJ McGourty will be available for his first season in charge, he has wished Graffin all the best on his travels.

"It's a bad blow surely. He has got a lot going on in his life - he's been injured. A player of his calibre would be a miss to any team," he said.

"When he's young and before maybe he settles down, it's the right time to go travelling."

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