Horan hoping for best
Time will tell if club game injuries affect Mayo plans
Mike Finnerty
MAYO manager James Horan was anxiously awaiting a report from his medical team last night (Monday) as they assessed all the county players who were in club championship action over the weekend.
Peadar Gardiner (hamstring), David Clarke (knee), Aidan O’Shea (hip) and Mark Ronaldson (head) are believed to be the main injury worries after a hectic 24 hours of activity.
The injury to experienced defender Gardiner is believed to be the biggest concern ahead of Mayo’s upcoming All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Kerry on August 21.
The Crossmolina star damaged his hamstring during his side’s one-point defeat against county champions Ballintubber on Saturday evening.
The exact extent of the injury was not known at the time of writing but Mayo’s medical team were expected to offer their assessment ahead of tonight’s squad training session in Castlebar.
Elsewhere, David Clarke, who was sidelined earlier this year with an ankle problem, also picked up a knock last Sunday afternoon.
The Ballina goalkeeper landed awkwardly in the closing stages of the Stephenites’ facile win over Claremorris and limped off immediately to treat a sore knee.
Breaffy’s Aidan O’Shea, who was in the thick of the action during his side’s narrow defeat to Knockmore, is also expected to be on the treatment table this week.
The Mayo midfielder picked up a knock to his hip before being sent off on two yellow cards in the closing stages.
Coincidentally, James Kilcullen was also dismissed on two yellow cards during the course of Ballaghaderreen’s outing against Castlebar Mitchels.
Meanwhile, Mark Ronaldson is expected to be back training with Mayo this week despite receiving a blow to the head which forced him off during the first half of Shrule/Glencorrib’s championship clash with Tourmakeady.
Ronaldson was left dazed after a high challenge and was later examined by medical personnel before returning home.
Meanwhile, Mayo trio Alan Dillon, Cillian O’Connor and Andy Moran were all rested for their club’s respective championship outings.
