Down will be without Paul McComiskey for a year after the key forward decided to travel abroad.
It is a major blow for the Mourne men, who have one game left in their battle against league relegation, ahead of the Ulster Championship campaign.
Darren O'Hagan and Arthur McConville are also likely to miss the Championship with the pair going to America in search of work.
Down boss James McCartan said it was doubtful the pair will be available.
McComiskey played his last game for the Mourne men in last weekend's defeat at Croke Park.
"Any man that decides to travel the world for a year, you can't really hold it against him," McCartan told the Irish News.
Big blow for Down, in particular McComiskey!
It is a major blow for the Mourne men, who have one game left in their battle against league relegation, ahead of the Ulster Championship campaign.
Darren O'Hagan and Arthur McConville are also likely to miss the Championship with the pair going to America in search of work.
Down boss James McCartan said it was doubtful the pair will be available.
McComiskey played his last game for the Mourne men in last weekend's defeat at Croke Park.
"Any man that decides to travel the world for a year, you can't really hold it against him," McCartan told the Irish News.
Big blow for Down, in particular McComiskey!