Major injury worry for mayo

AS the countdown continues to next Sunday's Connaught senior football championship final between Mayo and Sligo in Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon (throw in 4 p.m.), a major injury doubt has emerged for the defending champions.

Westport's Kevin Keane, who has enjoyed a fine season so far in the full-back position for his county, picked up an injury during the A versus B training game in Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday, it has emerged.

In what was a highly competitive final trial game before the Connaught decider, Keane picked up a leg injury which puts him on the doubtful list for the game with Sligo.

Mayo County Board chairman Mike Connelly said it will not be known until later in the week if Keane will be able to line out against the Yeats county.

He elaborated: “It is just one of those things that can happen at any time, be it in a game or during training. It just goes to show the importance of having a strong panel. But Kevin is strong and it would come as no surprise to see shaking off the injury before next Sunday.”

The chairman added that apart from Keane, all the members of the panel are in fine shape and there are no other major injury worries ahead of Sunday's final.

“All those who had suffered injuries leading up to the Galway game and in the semi-final are all back in full training. Diarmuid O'Connor did play on Sunday but it remains to be seen if his wrist injury is fully 100% before the management sit down to select their starting 15.

“Another positive for the team was the fine showing by Evan Regan. He played yesterday (Sunday) and showed up very well.

“All in all the preparations have gone well for the team and hopefully everything will go well for them next Sunday,” said Connelly.

Should Keane fail a late fitness test the obivious replacement is Ger Cafferkey. The Ballina club man is reported to be going very well in training, as is Ballinrobe's Donal Vaughan, who may well get the nod over Chris Barrett for the number six shirt.