Mayo boosted by McGarrity return

Mayo have been given a considerable boost ahead of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers with the return of Ballina midfielder Ronan McGarrity to the fold.

McGarrity was diagnosed with testicular cancer in February but following a course of treatment, the 25-year-old has been declared fit enough to rejoin John O'Mahony's Mayo panel.

He saw just over 20 minutes of action in the westerners' two-point challenge match win over Cork at the weekend. It was his first appearance for Mayo since their National League victory over Limerick on February 25.

Now the Merry Monk basketball star, whose performances helped Mayo reach the 2004 and 2006 All-Ireland finals, will hope to regain the fitness which saw him rated as one of the best midfielders in the modern game.

Mayo have been drawn at home to Cavan in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers on Saturday week.