Mayo's hopes for the new season were dealt a serious blow this week after star forward Tommy Conroy picked up a serious knee injury while playing for NUI Galway in the Sigerson Cup Quarter Final on Tuesday evening. The Neale GAA club player left the field of play shortly before half time and did not return to the action.
The Mayo GAA medical team did a full assessment and examination on Wednesday and have confirmed that Tommy suffered a cruciate ligament injury.
Commenting on the news, Mayo GAA senior football manager James Horan said it was such an unfortunate injury. He said: "Tommy is such a great person and player. We all wish him well during his rehabilitation.
"Tommy will still play a huge part in Mayo's season and will remain very much part of the panel. Unfortunately, injuries like this are part of sport. I know all the players will rally around Tommy and I am sure it will galvanise the entire team, but I know his injury will inspire other players to drive forward, step up and follow in his boots."
Men for Monaghan clash named
Mayo senior football manager James Horan has made three changes to his starting fifteen ahead of their Round two Division 1 Allianz National Football League game against Monaghan in Clones this weekend.
Michael Plunkett, Bryan Walsh, Ballintubber, and Lee Keegan, Westport, are the new players listed to start with Conor Loftus and Donnacha McHugh dropping to the bench with the injured Tommy Conroy ruled out.
There are numerous positional changes from last weekend with captain Stephen Coen moving from full-back to midfield to partner Conor O'Shea, Diarmuid O'Connor is set to start at centre forward with Aiden Orme, Knockmore, named at corner forward. Fergal Boland also comes into the match day 26 on the bench.
Mayo: Rob Hennelly; Brendan Harrison, Padraig O’Hora, Lee Keegan; Paddy Durcan, Michael Plunkett, Eoghan Mc Laughlin; Conor O’ Shea, Stephen Coen; Fionn McDonagh, Diarmuid O Connor, Bryan Walsh; Aiden Orme, Jason Doherty, Ryan O’Donoghue. Subs: Rory Byrne, Donnacha McHugh, Sam Callinan, Ruairi Keane, Rory Brickenden, Aidan O'Shea, Jordan Flynn, Fergal Boland, Conor Loftus, Paul Towey, Frank Irwin.
