Red Hands rocked by reports of Mulligan exit

TYRONE’S preparations for their All-Ireland third round qualifier against either Armagh or Wicklow has been rocked by reports Owen Mulligan has left the panel.

The 2005 All Star is believed to have grown frustrated after being dropped for last Saturday’s round two win over Longford.

Mulligan had started the Ulster semi-final defeat to Donegal but was used as a second-half substitute in the provincial opener against Monaghan and then again in Pearse Park last weekend. However, the Cookstown man was also replaced against Donegal and it is believed he has grown disillusioned with his lack of game-time.

Mulligan is the second of Tyrone’s three-time All-Ireland winners to quit the panel this year.

In April, Philip Jordan informed Mickey Harte he was considering leaving the team before returning a few weeks later.

It is understood Harte has attempted to contact Mulligan but the 30-year-old may appear a more difficult prospect to convince back.

Meanwhile, Opel are all but certain to be the new sponsors of the All Stars. As previously reported by the Irish Examiner, the German motor company had been in talks about taking over from Vodafone, who stepped down last year.

But sources say an agreement has been made between the GAA and Opel, who had previously backed the GPA’s gala and players awards scheme. The official players body’s awards will now merge with the All Stars to become the definitive inter-county awards.

In other news, the Government press office were unable to confirm whether An Taoiseach Enda Kenny will attend Sunday’s Connacht SFC final in Roscommon’s Hyde Park.

Mayoman Kenny usually attends his county’s championship games but has come in for criticism surrounding the closure of accident and emergency services in Roscommon hospital.