The Mayo News

FOOTBALL Mayo’s chances of beating Derry in the opening round of the Allianz National Football League next Sunday will be boosted significantly if Conor Mortimer is passed fit to play by a surgeon later this week.



Mortimer ‘doubtful’for Derry


Sharpshooter hopes be fit
for NFL opener on Sunday

Mike Finnerty

MAYO’S chances of beating Derry in the opening round of the Allianz National Football League next Sunday will be boosted significantly if Conor Mortimer is passed fit to play by a surgeon later this week.
The colourful corner-forward had his nose badly broken two weeks ago while playing with DCU in the O’Byrne Cup and has missed two games with the Dublin college since. However, he underwent surgery last week and will be hoping to get the all-clear later this week to line out against the reigning NFL champions.
The Shrule-Glencorrib corner-forward has been Mayo’s top scorer in five of the last seven league campaigns and his return would significantly boost a forward line that relies heavily on his scoring contribution.
“I would say he’s extremely doubtful but we’ll give him every chance,” Mayo manager John O’Mahony told The Mayo News. “We won’t be naming a team until Thursday at the earliest.”
Mayo drew with Cork in a challenge match last Saturday in Kilmallock (2-12 to 1-15) with goals from Alan Dillon and Mikey Sweeney. Ger Cafferkey is understood to have impressed again at full-back while Barry Moran was posted at full-forward against a strong Cork selection.
Pat Kelly, whose transfer back to Kilmaine from All-Ireland club champions St Vincent’s was rubber-stamped last week, also lined out in the half-back line and should get another run-out next Sunday. 
It has also emerged that Pat Harte’s unpredictable work schedule may work in Mayo’s favour for the visit of the Oak Leafers next weekend.
“Pat Harte’s work situation is very irregular and he may actually be involved with us for the Derry game,” explained O’Mahony. “He’s back in Ireland at the moment, he’s done some training with us, and he may train with us again later in the week. But, even if he is involved with us next weekend his future work part pattern is uncertain.”

MEANWHILE, Mayo GAA Secretary Sean Feeney told a County Board meeting last week that the venue for Mayo’s second ‘home’ NFL match against Westmeath on March 8 is still undecided.
Members of the GAA’s Infrastructure Committee visited James Stephens Park, Ballina and O’Hara Park, Charlestown last Monday, and informed Mayo GAA officials of the maximum capacity of each ground.
Feeney told club delegates last week that a ‘safe figure’ for Ballina is 4,500 and for Charlestown is 3,000. “The venue for the second game will depend on the crowd and result from the first match,” he explained.
“We have also met with builders at McHale Park to forewarn them that we will need the venue for the Dublin and Tyrone games. Certain things will have to be moved and got ready.” Mayo play Dublin on March 22 and take on the All-Ireland champions on April 12.

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