Injuries mount for Mayo

Mayo's preparations for the defence of their Connacht SFC title have been disrupted by a series of injuries, with experienced corner forward Michael Conroy set to miss their Championship opener against Galway.

Conroy underwent surgery last Friday on a shoulder injury he picked up when playing for his club Davitts in a recent league game.

He is set to sidelined for 8-12 weeks which rules him of the Connacht showdown with Galway at Pearse Stadium on Sunday, May 19.

Davitts manager Pete Warren told the Mayo News: "Mickey was playing massive football for the club and for Mayo. He was really on top of his game so when an injury like this happens it’s devastating for the player, the club, and the county team.

"This year, especially, Mickey has matured into the player he always promised to be.

"It’s always been about getting his head right. He’s done that, and that will be important now for his recovery too.

"He's a got a great positive attitude and he’ll be looking forward to starting his rehabilitation, building up the shoulder muscles again, and getting back on the field as quickly as possible."

Last weekend's round of local club matches gave Mayo manager James Horan some further headaches.

Evan Regan and Conor O'Shea are the latest players to pick up knocks, increasing the Connacht champions' injury list towards the double-figure mark.

Apart from Conroy, the other squad members requiring treatment of late are Chris Barrett (ankle), Brian Gallagher (ankle), Enda Varley (ankle), Jason Gibbons (hamstring), Tom Cunniffe (Achilles), Barry Moran (ankle) and Andy Moran (knee).

But, in much more position news, Alan Dillon, Keith Higgins and Jason Doherty have all managed to line out with their club teams in recent days.

It will come as a particular boost that 2012 All-Star and former captain Dillon is back in Ballintubber colours.

Their league clash with Breaffy last week marked his first outing with the club since October, as he looks to fight off a long-term groin problem.