Luckless Down corner back Damien Rafferty is no closer to an intercounty return.

The Newry Shamrocks clubman was a key figure as the Mourne County qualified for the 2010 All-Ireland SFC final but has since been sidelined by a groin condition known as osteo pubitis (having previously overcome a broken leg).

Rafferty hardly featured in 2011 and Down boss James McCartan has confirmed that his immediate prospects are far from encouraging:

"In fairness to the fella, he must be hugely frustrated.

"We have been trying everything in our power to find a means of fixing it. There are other avenues we are trying to pursue now.

"I don't know the detail of them because a lot of it was happening when I was away over Christmas. Unfortunately, we are not going to have Dee Rafferty back quickly." Tweet

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