Monaghan's worst fears have been realised with confirmation that Tommy Freeman is heading to New York for the summer and will miss the county's Ulster SFC opener against Tyrone on June 5.

The 2007 All-Star corner forward, who is a self-employed carpenter, has been unable to find regular work in recent months and will spend the summer in the Big Apple, where he will line out for the Leitrim club.

Confirming news of Freeman's departure, Farney County boss Eamonn McEneaney told the Northern Standard: "I had spoken to Tommy last November and he spoke at that time about having some regrets that he hadn't travelled to the States at some stage over the past few years.

"I suppose he feels this is an opportune time for him to go across the water and see what it brings him in terms of football and possible work. The fact that he made me aware of his plans before the conclusion of the National League is something that I appreciate.

"I think it would have been worse for us if, for instance, he was part of our championship preparations for the Tyrone game and on the eve of the match, he got injured and was ruled out.

"It's a huge blow to the county, but if there is a silver lining in all of this, it's that Tommy conveyed his decision to me in time for us to get our head around the fact that he won't be in Healy Park and that we need to plan without him."

McEneaney revealed how he had tried in vain to persuade the Magheracloone clubman to stay around for the championship.

"You have to respect his decision because it's part and parcel of life and particularly for high-profile footballers.

"Quality players like him aren't exactly thick on the ground in Monaghan or any other county for that matter, but you just have to get on with working with the rest of the panel." Tweet

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