Cruciate blow for Kilkenny

All-Ireland football champions Dublin’s worst fears have been confirmed with confirmation that Ciarán Kilkenny will miss the rest of the season.

The talented centre-forward underwent scans yesterday afternoon which confirmed anterior cruciate knee ligament damage.

He suffered the injury just minutes into Saturday night’s 10-point Allianz Football League win over Kildare at Croke Park.

The news comes just weeks after Colm Cooper’s cruciate heartache and robs the Championship of two of its most talented attackers.

“On a personal level this is very frustrating for Ciarán who has played a vital role in the recent successes in both football and hurling for his county and club at all grades,” said Dublin manager Jim Gavin.

“Protocols have been activated to ensure Ciarán will receive the best of medical care and the Dublin football coaching staff will actively assist Ciarán in his recovery.”

Kilkenny had emerged as one of Dublin’s key performers since an impressive first full season in 2013.

He added an All-Ireland senior winners’ medal to his previous U21 success while he previously competed in All-Ireland minor finals in both codes.

Dublin hurling manager Anthony Daly approached Kilkenny about a dual role last winter though it’s understood the player planned to stick with football solely this season.

It’s a blow to Dublin’s hopes of All-Ireland U-21 football success also. Kilkenny scored five points in their win over Carlow last Wednesday evening.