Down ace Mark Poland received 15 stitches and was badly concussed in the latter stages of last Sunday’s Ulster final defeat to Tyrone.
The Longstone clubman, who entered the final in the 56th minute, was getting on plenty of ball until a nasty and accidental collision with Tyrone’s Colm Cavanagh in the 69th minute ended his afternoon.
Cathal McCarron received a second yellow card for a subsequent incident and was sent off.
It took several minutes before Poland was able to stand up and be helped off the pitch.
Depending on how well the wound heals – above his right eye – Poland will be hoping to play some part in the Mournemen’s return match with Monaghan in the All-Ireland Qualifiers on July 29 at Croke Park.
A GAA player who suffers concussion is banned from playing for seven days on medical grounds.
