Mullally goes up to take in the North with associate every year? (8)

I believe the answer is:

annually

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'every year?' is the definition.
('annually' can be a synonym of 'every year')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for annually that I've seen before include "at regular intervals" , "as MOTs must be renewed" , "As Christmas is coming" , "Every year" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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