Mayo's hopes of another All-Ireland final appearance have been hit by the news that their regular full back, Kevin Cahill, will be out of action for the rest of the season.

Cahill, who had to leave the field with a knee injury during the Connacht semi-final against Leitrim has a cruciate ligament problem which will take several months to heal. After suffering the injury in the match against Leitrim he was forced to drop out of the Connacht final against Sligo and then broke down in training last weekend. He has been advised that surgery is necessary if he is to be able to play again.