Image copyright Inpho Image caption Caolan Mooney was taken to Daisy Hill hospital and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital

A 37-year-old Newry man has appeared in court in connection with an assault that left Down GAA player Caolan Mooney in hospital.

Mr Mooney is in a stable condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

His brother Patrick was also injured suffering a broken nose.

Lee Daniel McKay is charged with affray and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the incident involving Patrick Mooney .

Mr McKay, who lives in Australia, but who has an address at Drumalane Park in Newry, appeared at Armagh Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The court was told that on Monday at about 02:30 GMT a mobile police patrol came upon the scene in the Merchant's Quay area of Newry.

Outstanding suspect

It was alleged CCTV showed Mr McKay had not delivered the blow which left Caolan Mooney unconscious but that he had repeatedly hit Patrick Mooney.

The court also heard that there was an outstanding suspect in the case.

Mr McKay was granted bail, subject to a curfew and on the basis that he surrenders his passport.

He will appear in court again next month.

A forrmer Down Minor star, Caolan Mooney left Ireland for Australia in 2011 to play Australian Rules where he had signed a two-year contract with Melbourne side Collingwood.

He returned to County Down three years later.

The 26-year-old had been on the team that defeated Fermanagh in the McKenna Cup on Sunday.

Earlier, Down manager Paddy Tally said the team was "shocked and saddened" by the incident.

Image copyright Inpho

He added: "Given the seriousness of the situation, we ask people to refrain from speculation or rumour about the incident.

"Caolan is a very important player and important leader in our team. He is vice-captain, he had an excellent year this year and we're looking forward to him being back playing in Down colours as soon as possible.

"We hope and pray that he makes a full recovery and our thoughts are with his fiancée and his entire family at this time.

"Their welfare and their right to privacy should be fully respected."