UP IN THE AIR Tom Parsons, pictured here in action against Down in February, has been released from the Mayo senior football squad. Pic: Sportsfile
Five players cut from Mayo squad
Mike Finnerty
FIVE players have been released from the Mayo senior football squad following the end of the Allianz League last weekend.
Mayo manager James Horan informed Aidan Kilcoyne, Barry Moran, Tom Parsons, Mark Ronaldson and Brian Benson earlier this week that they would not be part of his plans for the upcoming Connacht championship campaign.
The Mayo News understands that a number of other players will be released in the coming weeks as the Mayo management team decide on the final 30 footballers that will make up their championship panel.
Among the newcomers who are still in line to be included in Mayo’s championship panel for the first time are Alan Feeney, Richie Feeney, Robert Hennelly, Eoin O’Reilly, Lee Keegan, Cathal Hallinan, Ruaidhrí O’Connor, James Burke, Ronan Rochford, Jason Doherty and Jason Gibbons.
Donal Vaughan and Trevor Howley, both of whom have been sidelined with injuries so far this season, have also been retained in James Horan’s plans.
Tourmakeady’s Kevin Dolan, who broke his jaw three months ago during his inter-county debut against GMIT, has also been included.
However, it is the omission of Aidan Kilcoyne, Barry Moran, Tom Parsons and Mark Ronaldson that will generate most debate in Mayo GAA circles.
All four were part of Mayo’s 2010 championship panel and the quartet also lined out at various stages of this season’s National League campaign.
Charlestown’s Tom Parsons started against Monaghan last Sunday, while Aidan Kilcoyne and Barry Moran, who has been suffering from a leg injury in recent months, were both introduced as second half substitutes.
However, Mark Ronaldson was an unused replacement last weekend.
Brian Benson, who had been training with the Mayo squad in recent months, did not feature in any of Mayo’s seven league games. The Crossmolina forward did play against Roscommon in the FBD League before picking up an injury that stalled his progress.
Mayo begin their Connacht championship campaign against London in Ruislip on May 29.