Cunning 'still trying to process' serious knee injury
Cunning looks set to miss Davy Fitzgerald's first season as Antrim boss
- Published
Antrim's Conal Cunning says he is "still trying to process" his upcoming spell on the sidelines after confirming that he faces nine months out with a serious knee injury.
Cunning, who was the Saffrons' top scorer in the 2024 Leinster SHC campaign, limped off during Dunloy's Antrim SHC semi-final win over Loughgiel earlier this month.
Scans subsequently confirmed he had torn both his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, which will require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation programme.
Cunning's injury is an immediate blow to Dunloy ahead of Sunday's county final against Cushendall, while it is a significant setback for new Antrim boss Davy Fitzgerald as he prepares for his first season at the helm.
"I’m so very disappointed not to be part of this weekend's senior club final against Cushendall. I’m still trying to process the fact that I’m going to be away from the game for about nine months," said Cunning.
"I have spoken to county manager Davy Fitzgerald to update him. I’m hoping to have surgery behind me in November and will spend the winter working on getting fit again."