Mugsy quits Tyrone panel – report

Speculation is mounting in Tyrone that charismatic forward Owen Mulligan has quit the county panel over a lack of starting opportunities.

Mulligan failed to turn up for training on Thursday night, having already failed to show on Tuesday night in what is a crucial period for the Red Handers, a week before their third round qualifying clash against the winners of Wicklow v Armagh this weekend.

The corner forward, famous for his peroxide-blonde hair and for some of the trademark, outrageous dummies he has sold to countless defenders over the years, has failed to establish himself in the Tyrone starting XV this season as Mickey Harte has begun to overhaul an aging squad with youth in the likes of Kyle Coney and Peter Harte.

Mulligan came on as a late substitute in the qualifier victory over Longford, having being taken off in the disappointing Ulster semi-final defeat to Tyrone.

He also failed to make the starting XV for the clash with Monaghan earlier in the season and it is his slide down the pecking order in the county that has prompted his decision to call it a day.

Mickey Harte is known for his loyalty to the players that have served him so well over the years and will do all he can to persuade the former All-Star and three-time All-Ireland winner to change his mind.

Wing back Philip Jordan was reportedly on the verge of retiring from inter-county football earlier this season, but came back for the latter stages of the league after much persuasion from his manager.