Mayo manager releases injury update ahead of All-Ireland Championship opener in Killarney

Caoimhín Rowland

Mayo senior men's team manager Kevin McStay has given an injury update ahead of the hotly anticipated clash with Kerry, a game that opens the All-Ireland Championship for both counties.

Speaking to an assembled crew of local press this morning in the Dr. Mickey Loftus Suite at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, McStay reported positive news ahead of the clash in Killarney on Saturday, May 20.

His team had a fierce challenge game last weekend against Tyrone which 'went as expected', McStay said with a smile.

Fortunately for the Allianz National Football League Division 1 champions, there are no new serious absences to be expected for the opener of the All-Ireland series on Saturday week.

Cillian O’Connor is the most high-profile player carrying an injury. McStay stated his 'importance to the team' and the way in which he has delivered for his county this year.

Rory Brickenden, the Westport full-back, is another who will be unavailable for the 26-man panel to be selected next week. However, he should return to compete for a spot at the end of May or early June.

Similarly, there’s a bright outlook on the rehabilitation of Aghamore defender Brendan Harrison, who suffered an ACL injury last year. He, too, could be in contention to stake a claim in the back line as his return to play regime is ahead of schedule, and McStay is hopeful of having him on hand towards the end of this month.

McStay stressed how difficult it is to give an exact date on when the three players will return from injury.

He also highlighted the silver lining of losing to Roscommon in the Connacht championship as a 'pause to concentrate' ahead of the all-important opener in the Kingdom.