Hernia op sidelines Donegal's Dunnion

Defender Barry Dunnion will miss Donegal's All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier against Leitrim after undergoing a hernia operation in Germany.

Dunnion ventured to Bavaria last week to go under the knife at the same hospital where Tyrone duo Philip Jordan and Joe McMahon had successful operations earlier this year.

The Four Masters clubman, who was an All-Star nominee last year, was a late withdrawal for Donegal's disappointing Ulster SFC semi-final loss to Tyrone on last Sunday week.

Dunnion's absence was felt as the Donegal defence was torn asunder by a Tyrone attack led by tireless captain Brian Dooher.

The 24-year-old half-back is facing a four-week lay-off and will hope to return with the Tir Chonaill men's All-Ireland hopes still intact.

Keen to regain their league-winning form, Donegal travel to Carrick-on-Shannon to face Leitrim on Saturday week.