Concern for Meath GAA man tipped for All Star after nasty looking injury
The Na Fianna man was down for a long spell in the second half of his side's 0-12 to 0-12 Round 1 group game draw with Simonstown at Pairc Tailteann.
Rafferty received extensive treatment for what appeared to be a calf or achilles injury and limped out of the action i in a worrying development for Meath and Na Fianna fans.
The Royal County man made a huge impact in his first full season of inter-county football this year and is being widely tipped to pick up an All Star.
Meath boss Robbie Brennan will be hoping the injury isn't too serious, but at the very least Rafferty looks to be in a race against time to make the final round group game against Championship favourites Wolfe Tones in a fortnight.
Na Fianna salvaged a draw at the death with former Meath forward Jamie Queeney fisting an equaliser in the last play after Simonstown goalkeeper Robbier Berlingham looked to have won it with a two point free into the breeze.
The hooter went off before Na Fianna had taken a sideline kick, but this is allowed under the new rules.
Simonstown will be sick at losing possession after going ahead and at the sideline ball.
Meath are operating a system this year where the clock and hooter is in operation at Pairc Tailteann for Championship games but not at over venues.
With a second lengthy injury delay in the second half of the game, it took 43 minutes to get it played off.
A draw against Wolfe Tones should be enough for Na Fianna to qualify for the quarter-finals after they drew their opening round game with Donaghmore Ashbourne.
Rafferty was the hero that day slotting the equaliser after the hooter, while he also scored another point and set up a goal, carrying his fine county form into the club scene.
In the curtain raiser Wolfe Tones backed up an 10 point first round win over Simonstown with a nine point victory over Donaghmore Ashbourne on a scoreline of 3-15 to 0-15.
Elsewhere in Meath Senior Championship action, Skryne made it two wins out of two, defeating Gaeil Colmcille on a scoreline of 1-19 to 1-11, while Ballinabrackey got off the mark with a 1-19 to 1-10 win over St. Colmcilles.
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