Down's remaining NFL games will be against Kildare and Meath while the county's Ulster Championship opener is against either Armagh or Monaghan on 8 June.

BBC: Mulholland back in Down panel

Unlike other rugby league converts, Carney has had experience of the union game having been schooled at Clongowes Wood, Gordon D'Arcy's alma mater in Kildare.

BBC: Brian Carney announced his retirement in January 2007

Over the weekend Tyrone Gaelic footballers held a minute's silence before a match against Kildare.

BBC: Paterson: Kerr terrorists will not destabilise peace