Paul McComiskey has opted off the Down squad ahead of Saturday night's NFL opener against Donegal in Newry.

Confirming that the highly-rated forward will be unavailable for the foreseeable future, Down manager James McCartan said at yesterday's NFL launch in Belfast: "Paul wanted a break. I think the break was as much mental as it was physical.

"I rang him a couple of weeks ago to see what his state of mind was and he still wanted to take a break. He just feels drained from playing colleges, club and county football.

"When people have put in the work and dedication that Paul has put in over the last five or six years, whenever they tell you they need a wee break, I think they've earned that." Tweet

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