'Least worst outcome' after neck injury scare for Dublin ace Eoin Murchan

Star Dublin defender Murchan was removed by ambulance from O'Toole Park on Sunday

Eoin Murchan of Na Fianna and Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Na Fianna and Dublin football supporters have breathed sighs of relief with the news that star defender Eoin Murchan looks to have escaped serious injury.

Dublin's 2019 All-Ireland final replay goal scorer against Kerry was removed by ambulance from O'Toole Park on Sunday following Na Fianna's 1-20 to 4-11 Dublin SFC draw with Lucan Sarsfields.

The result locked down top spot in Group 2 for the unbeaten Glasnevin side and a quarter-final clash with Clontarf.

But there was little in the way of celebration immediately afterwards as Murchan was treated for a lengthy period by medics for an injury to the neck area.

Murchan was monitored for around an hour in total at the Crumlin venue, both on the pitch and in the ambulance, before being driven away with the subsequent game between holders Kilmacud Crokes and Thomas Davis delayed by 20 minutes.

Speaking this afternoon, Na Fianna manager Tom Gray confirmed that the former All-Star defender appears to have escaped without any major injury.

"The situation was that Eoin suffered a very heavy blow with four or five minutes to go in the game," said Gray, the former Dublin U-20 manager. "It was around the neck and the head area so obviously the physio was very concerned but the news is that there were no bones broken and it seems that it was just a heavy knock thank God.

"I don't think there was any lasting damage done so you'd call it the best possible outcome in the circumstances. I'd imagine he'll probably see people in terms of check ups and what not this week but it looks to be the least worst outcome, if that makes sense. Obviously you never want to see any lad go through that but fingers crossed I think he's okay."

Na Fianna contested the 2022 Dublin SFC final but failed to advance from their group in 2023 as the club's hurlers made their own county breakthrough with a first ever title.

Gray's side will be favourites to advance beyond Clontarf, who were promoted from the Dublin SFC2 ranks last season, in their upcoming quarter-final though it remains to be seen if Murchan is involved.

"I honestly don't know," said Gray, when asked if Murchan may feature. "If he's fit, he'll play. If he's not, he won't. That's the situation right now."