Things go from terrible to worse for Donegal as star player leaves panel

They can't catch a break.

Donegal was already in disarray this season for a multitude of reasons, but with the Ulster championship around the corner, they were hoping to turn it around. First of all, Michael Murphy retired; the very heartbeat of the team over the past decade, and then off the field it emerged that Karl Lacey resigned from his academy role, with several coaches walking out with him. Lacey said that he and his coaches no longer "believed in the governance of Donegal", while matters on the pitch weren't much better. Newly appointed captain Paddy McBrearty picked up an injury that ruled him out of the whole league campaign, and their poor form resulted in them being relegated from Division One. That relegation wasn't even official before their new manager Paddy Carr had resigned, after just five games in charge. After a meeting with senior players, it was agreed that his resignation was the best move for everyone involved. Now, with their upcoming game against a rejuvenated Down, things don't seem to be getting any better as Ryan McHugh has revealed that he won't be involved this summer. The Kilcar star has been an important player for the county since he burst onto the scene in 2014, but has missed this year's league campaign through injury. Many were hoping that his highly anticipated return to the panel would be the spark that's needed to try and salvage this season, however the flying forward said that he won't be back due to work commitments. However, Aidan O'Rourke, who has agreed to take charge of Donegal for the remainder of the season, must be thinking that he has been left with mission impossible on his hands. The only bright news is that McBrearty should be returning soon, but it will take something monumental to turn this season around for the green and gold side. Related links:

• Donegal GAA want Karl Lacey to return after committee crisis meeting
• Kevin Cassidy throws down the gauntlet to Jim McGuinness on Donegal return
• Paddy Carr resigns after ‘discussion with senior members of Donegal team’