Minor duo face final fitness race

Minor duo face final fitness race


Mike Finnerty

TWO of Mayo’s most impressive minors face a race against time to be fit for the All-Ireland football final against Tyrone on September 21.
Team captain Shane Nally and centre-forward Aidan O’Shea were described as ‘touch and go’ to be ready for the Croke Park showdown by Mayo manager Ray Dempsey last weekend.
Nally damaged ligaments in his leg during a club minor championship match eight days ago while O’Shea broke a bone in his hand during the All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry.
“The lads are going to be touch and go,” Dempsey told The Mayo News. “There’s only a fortnight to go and Aidan O’Shea won’t be able to do any ball-work between now and the final. His hand is in cast. He’ll be able to do the running at training but he’s going to be doing very well to be back.
“Shane damaged ligaments playing with the Garrymore minors and he’s not in great shape either. John Carney twisted his ankle too against Kerry so was a little sore this week as well.”
Tyrone report no injury concerns as they bid to win their fourth All-Ireland minor title in ten years. Raymond Munroe will have a full panel to pick from and, after a comprehensive eleven point victory over Meath, Mayo know they will have their work cut out on Sunday week.
“Tyrone are formidable opposition,” admitted Ray Dempsey. “It’s going to be another 20% up from the Kerry game in terms of intensity and pace and we’ll have to be ready for that.
“They’ll compete for everything, they’re very composed on the ball and won’t give the ball away. When you consider they scored 1-21 against Meath, that’s a score every three minutes. That’s a serious return and we’ll have to find a new best if we’re to beat them.”
Some bookmakers have installed Tyrone as the 1-2 favourites with Mayo available at 2-1.