Kilcullen called up by Mayo juniors

Kilcullen called up by Mayo juniors


Mike Finnerty

FORMER Mayo senior footballer David Kilcullen has been drafted into the county junior squad ahead of their Connacht final against Sligo next month.
The Ballaghaderreen defender has been called up by Mayo boss John Kelly to bolster his backline after last Friday night’s provincial championship semi-final victory over Roscommon.
Kilcullen (24) lined out at centre-half back for the Mayo senior team against Cavan and Derry in two All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers back in 2007.
However, the former Mayo minor and U-21 failed to feature again during John O’Mahony’s time in charge of the county seniors, and was also a notable absentee from the Ballagh’ team-sheet in recent seasons.
But the powerfully-built number six has returned to form this season under new Ballaghaderreen manager, Kieran Gallagher, and has been a key figure in their recent league outings.
He also attended a number of county senior trials before Christmas but was unable to force his way into James Horan’s plans for the FBD Connacht League.
Meanwhile, the Mayo management look set to be without Michael Forde (dislocated shoulder) for the Connacht decider.
The Ballycastle teenager, who has also been training with the Mayo senior panel recently, suffered the injury during the course of last weekend’s semi-final win over Roscommon.
Bonniconlon midfielder, Alan Egan, will be also be receiving intensive treatment this week on a hamstring injury as he strives to be ready in time to face the reigning All-Ireland champions.
“We only got together once last week and that meant we were fresh come Friday evening,” explained John Kelly afterwards.
“I think the game against Leitrim brought us on a mile, and stood to us when things were in the melting-pot.
“We’re playing the All-Ireland champions now in the final and it’s going to be a very tough job.” he added.
“But we have lads that are committed and honest, and if we keep working hard we’ll be there or thereabouts. Hopefully people will come out now and start supporting them.”