Ryan O'Donoghue on course to make timely Mayo return

By Aiden Henry

News on the Mayo senior team injury front is positive ahead of their All-Ireland senior football championship quarterfinal clash with Kerry next Sunday at Croke Park.

The Connaught Telegraph has learned that star forward Ryan O’Donoghue, who has missed all Mayo championship games so far this year with a groin injury, is making great progress and could well be ready to take his place against Kerry in this highly awaited encounter.

Reports from the training ground is that the Belmullet man O’Donoghue is back in full flight and taking part fully in all training sessions.

His availability against the Kingdom would be a massive boost to a Mayo forward line that has not been firing on all cylinders so far in the championship this year.

Further good news for Mayo is that Crossmolina midfielder Jordan Flynn, who came on as a substitute against Kildare last time out and made a big impression, is also flying in training and is expected to line out at midfield against Kerry.

With O’Donoghue and Flynn ready to return, we could see a much-changed Mayo side from the Kildare game when they take the field against Kerry.

It is also expected that Ballina’s Padraig O’Hora who also made a huge impact when introduced against Kildare, will start against Kerry.

Another welcome boost for Mayo is that Kevin McLoughlin, who was unable to take his place on the bench against Kildare, is also fully recovered and gives the Mayo management further options as they plan the downfall of Kerry.

Mayo wrapped up their serious preparations for the Kerry clash with a training weekend away down in Limerick.