Chris Barrett, who made his first competitive start at senior level against Donegal the last day (and then got harshly sent off in the dying seconds of that game), has, according to this report in the Mayo News, almost certainly been ruled out of the match against Laois. He picked up a groin injury playing for NUIG against Galway in last weekend’s FBD final. The same piece covers the injuries we’ve already discussed to Seamus O’Shea (who apparently broke his nose in an accidental clash with the ref, Michael Duffy – see, I told you that fella was a bollix) and to Mort, who, according to Johnno, suffered “a fair bit of buffeting” at the hands of the Herrin Gutters. That’s one way of putting it, I suppose.
The same report confirms that Ballina’s David Clarke and Ronan McGarritty will return to training with the county team this evening. Johnno has also confirmed that Pat Kelly, who has played a leading role in St Vincents’ charge to the All-Ireland final, will rejoin the county panel after Paddy’s Day. Johnno was less forthright about whether or not the other Kilmaine man plying his trade with the Vins, Brian Maloney, would get a call-up after the final and would only go so far as to say that they’d “have a look” at him in the decider. Sounds like he needs to put in another blinder next month if he’s to get a look in.
No word on Pat Harte or any of the Bradys rejoining the panel yet. Ger Cafferkey, who went off injured early on against Nemo, is, according to Sean Rice, suffering from a hamstring injury so it’s unlikely that he’ll be in a fit state for the Laois match either.
That’s your lot for now. With all those injuries, I’d be surprised if we see a teamsheet this side of Friday.