Lights, cameras, action
Mayo and Dublin set for All-Ireland Final rematch
Mike Finnerty
THE Mayo senior football squad took a break from training last weekend in order to be as fresh as possible for next Saturday night’s All-Ireland Final rematch with Dublin at Croke Park.
The two heavyweights collide in the penultimate round of the Allianz National League next weekend with both sides in the mix for a place in next month’s semi-finals.
James Horan put his players through their paces last Friday evening with Colm Boyle, Jason Gibbons and Cillian O’Connor all sitting the session out due to minor aches and pains.
All three are expected to be available for selection next weekend.
Andy Moran, who missed Mayo’s last two outings against Westmeath and Kerry due to a shoulder injury, will also be fit to line out against the All-Ireland champions.
Meanwhile, Castlebar Mitchels trio Tom Cunniffe, Richie Feeney and Barry Moran all returned to the county fold last Friday night, just four days after lining out in the All-Ireland Club Final.
The Mitchels players haven’t togged out for Mayo since last September’s All-Ireland defeat.
Another player who hasn’t featured for Mayo for the last six months, Chris Barrett, also took a full part in training last Friday. The Belmullet defender has been out of action with a knee problem but looks set to force his way into the match-day squad for Saturday.
Elsewhere, Conor O’Shea, younger brother of Aidan and Seamus, sustained a broken nose during last Friday night’s training session.
The Mayo U-21 panellist is due to have an operation next week to correct any damage done.
Alan Dillon (groin) and Kenneth O’Malley (ankle) are still unavailable for selection as they continue their rehabilitation from their respective long-term injuries.
The Mayo squad will train again tomorrow night (Wednesday) with the team to face Dublin expected to be named later in the week.
Saturday night’s match throws-in at 7pm and is being televised live by Setanta Sports.