ANTRIM hurler and Dunloy dual star Conal Cunning is undergoing surgery to repair a cruciate injury suffered during the club season.
The Irish News Ulster GAA All-Star hurler was forced to end his season early after 12 minutes in the Antrim SHC semi-final between Dunloy and Loughgeil Shamrocks.
Scans after the game found that he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and his medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Cuchullains managed to progress to the Antrim final against Cushendall but Cunning’s scores were missed as Ruairí Óg reclaimed their title against the green and gold.
“Conal is a fantastic role model for the younger players in the club with how he applies himself to his training and his dedication to his game,” said a Dunloy spokesperson.
“He’s a natural leader on the pitch for the club in both hurling and football where he shines in both codes.
“We know that he will be a big miss for club and county but anyone who knows Coby knows that he will be working hard on his recovery then rehab and aiming to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible.
“Everyone at Dunloy Cuchullains wishes him the best and a speedy recovery.”
Last season, Conal Cunning impressed for the Saffron Gaels, finishing the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship campaign as his county’s top scorer.
A previous Ulster champion with Dunloy in 2022, Cunning is still looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having accepted that it could be nine months before he crosses the white lines again.