DOWN boss Paddy Tally has suffered another blow ahead of the start of the inter-county season with confirmation that half-back Anthony Doherty will play no part for the Mournemen next year.
RGU Downpatrick’s Doherty, whose long-range free-taking ability has been a major asset since he first burst onto the scene last year, is currently in Sydney after relocating for work.
He joins fellow Mourne stars Shay Millar and Gerard McGovern Down Under.
Burren full-back McGovern has been in Australia since leaving the county panel earlier this year, and last week Tally confirmed he wouldn’t be back for the 2019 campaign.
Glenn ace Millar, meanwhile, has also opted out of the incoming campaign, with his pace and industry sure to be a big loss for Tally in his first year in the Down hotseat.
Doherty, a software engineer for Newry-based firm First Derivatives, was offered the opportunity to move to Australia through work – though that was before the new management team was announced back in August.
“I always wanted to see a bit of the world and have been fortunate enough that work could accommodate it, but the heart sank when Paddy and Benny [Coulter] were announced as the management team,” said the 24-year-old, who made his senior county debut in Down’s 2017 Ulster Championship victory over Armagh.
“The decision was made before Paddy was ratified but I did get a good chat with him before I left.
“I would have enjoyed it and it would be a good setup to be a part of. I think the boys will do well this year.”
Although Doherty is unsure when he will return to Ireland, he doesn’t expect to be out of the frame for too long.
He said: “There’s no hard home date set yet so it all depend on what the situation is with work.
“It won’t be anytime this season but, yes, possibly in the not too distant future.”
Down begin their Dr McKenna Cup campaign away to Cavan on December 30, before welcoming Donegal (January 6) and Queen’s University (January 9) to Pairc Esler in their remaining Section A games.
