Dillon gets Mayo nod

THE Mayo senior football team will be captained by former All Star Alan Dillon for this season’s championship campaign.

Mayo manager James Horan informed the Ballintubber forward of his decision earlier this week. Andy Moran has been named as Mayo’s vice-captain.

Dillon (27), who made his championship debut in 2003, will lead the county out for the first time against Antrim in a challenge match on Sunday, May 1 in Kiltimagh.

“It was a hard call to make,” admitted Mayo boss Horan yesterday. “We’re very lucky to have two phenomenal leaders like Alan and Andy and both will continue to be leaders in this group.”

Horan also confirmed that “there are a few places still up for grabs” before he finalises his 30-man championship squad for the opening match against London in Ruislip on Sunday, May 29.

“There are a lot of lads putting in big efforts to get into the reckoning. We’re very close to naming our championship panel.”

Horan also dismissed reports that former Mayo captain Trevor Mortimer had been ruled out of contention for a spot in the county panel this summer.

“It’s not fair to say that Trevor is out of our plans at the moment. That story grew legs of its own.

“We’ve talked to him and he knows he’s being assessed over these few weeks, like a few other players. We’re giving guys every chance to show us what they can do.”

The Mayo manager released Tom Parsons, Barry Moran, Aidan Kilcoyne, Mark Ronaldson and Ruaidhrí O’Connor from his squad last week.