McGrattan fails to make Mourne cut

Ballygalget star Johnny McGrattan has been dropped from the Down senior hurling panel ahead of their Christy Ring Cup campaign.

Down face Antrim in their Ring Cup opener on June 10, but McGrattan, as well as his club mate Aaron Dynes, Newry trio Artie McGuinness, Neil Courtney and Kevin Fegan and Portaferry's Paul Smith have been dropped by manager Sean Farrell.

McGrattan, who helped Balgalget to retain their Down SHC title and claim the Ulster SHC crown last October, has failed to transfer his club form to the inter-county scene. The talented corner forward, voted Ulster's Club Hurler of the Year in March, could not hold down a regular place in the Mourne side during the National League and has paid the price.

Farrell will hope his charges can bounce back from their 17-point drubbing at the hands of Antrim in the Ulster semi-final a fortnight ago.

One player who has been recalled to the panel is 2005 captain Simon Wilson - the Ballycran defender sat out the League due to family and work commitments.