By Michael McMullan

DERRY’S hopes of a first Christy Ring title have been hit with the news of a serious injury to Sleacht Néill defender Meehaul McGrath.

Manager Dominic McKinley has confirmed that McGrath sustained a broken arm and wrist after an injury at training on Thursday night.

He missed the Christy Ring Cup visit to Kildare, a game they lost 1-24 to 0-12 with Derry trailing 0-8 to 0-7 at the break. It was the Oakleafers’ first defeat since losing to Offaly in last year’s final.

McGrath, named on the Gaelic Life hurling Team of the Year, was also a regular under Collie McGurk and John McEvoy since making his debut in a 2017 win over Monaghan in Omagh.

Derry have a free weekend before welcoming London to Owenbeg on Sunday, May 8 before travelling to Mayo for their final group game two weeks later.

The top two teams in the section will then contest the Christy Ring Cup final later in May at Croke Park.