One change in personnel expected for Mayo

Seconds out: Game Two


One change in personnel expected as Mayo welcome Roscommon to Castlebar

Mike Finnerty

A REPLACEMENT for the injured Cillian O’Connor in Mayo’s attack looks set to be the only change that James Horan will make for next Sunday’s Connacht SFC semi-final against Roscommon.
The Mayo squad trained behind closed doors last Sunday as Horan and his coaching staff put the players through their paces but Barry Moran and Jason Doherty are both understood to have taken part in the session.
The versatile Richie Feeney or fit-again Andy Moran could be the front-runners in line for a recall to the Mayo forward line in place of the injured O’Connor.
The Mayo manager said last week that Moran, his captain, was “making progress at an alarming rate” as he recovers from his torn cruciate knee ligament.
Mayo are due to train again tonight (Tuesday) with the team expected to be announced to the general public tomorrow.
James Horan also explained that the injured trio of O’Connor, Michael Conroy and Cathal Freeman would be the only players in the Mayo panel not available for selection next weekend.
“All our injuries are improving. Cathal Freeman and Mickey Conroy are back on the field, but [have] no contact because they have shoulder injuries. Brian Gallagher is back running too.
“Cillian has started his rehab,” he continued. “It’s with the medical experts now. He’s got stuff to do every day and then check in and monitor that. The timeframe isn’t clear and set.”
Meanwhile, Mayo played Kildare in a behind-closed-doors challenge game last Friday evening in Longford.
The Connacht champions are understood to have won a full-blooded encounter by two points.
Roscommon, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of Donie Shine (hamstring) while Ian Kilbride and Darragh Donnelly are both out of contention due to injury.
Elsewhere, Connacht GAA Council officials confirmed last week that they are expecting a crowd of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 people for next Sunday’s game at McHale Park, Castlebar. Tickets are on sale from the usual outlets.
The game throws-in at 4pm.