No rest for fatigued Pat’s heroes

MCDOWELL’S pub in Inchicore rose in acclamation of Pete Mahon when the St Patrick’s Athletic boss popped in after his side’s win against Shakhter Karagandy on Thursday night.

But there has been little time for further celebration as it’s straight back to the bread and butter stuff for the local heroes this evening when they travel to the Showgrounds to take on Airtricity League leaders Sligo Rovers (7.45pm).

Sligo, like Pat’s, are facing a Europa League assignment in the Ukraine next week but the Dublin side are the ones going into today’s game with the wearier legs. The good news for Pats is that skipper Conor Kenna starts his first game since March following a long-term knee injury. And his presence may be vital as both Brian Shortall and Derek Pender picked up knocks on Thursday and are doubts. Otherwise the Saints have a full squad to choose from with Anthony Murphy, Dave Mulcahy and David McMillan all set to feature after coming off the bench against Karagandy.