Gaelic Games

Moran holds out final hope for O’Connor

Mayo skipper backs star forward to play a part in All-Ireland decider

Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor receives treatment on his injured left shoulder after going off in last Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor receives treatment on his injured left shoulder after going off in last Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Tue Aug 27 2013 - 18:14

Mayo captain Andy Moran believes that star forward Cillian O'Connor could play a part in the All-Ireland Final despite going off with a recurrence of a shoulder injury in the semi-final victory over Tyrone.

Speaking on Tuesday's Second Captains show, Moran said that the Ballintubber player's mental strength could see him make play some part against either Dublin or Kerry on September 22nd.

Moran told Second Captains presenter Eoin McDevitt: “He’s been in for tests today and yesterday, but I’d expect Cillian to play some part, if not all, of the All-Ireland Final to be honest with you, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

“He’s very strong mentally, Cillian. The shoulder is a high-profile injury as he’s done it a few times now. I’m sure he’ll rehab and he’ll try his best to be ready.”

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Moran will try and take in the second semi-final next Sunday if Mayo’s training schedule allows and reckons that the injury problems in the Kerry camp could hand Dublin an advantage.

“I think it’s very similar to last week’s game, Dublin have kind of set their stall out this year and won the league. And Kerry, along with Tyrone, are the two standout teams of the last 20 years.

“It’s going to be an amazing game to be honest with you, injuries are going to play a big part and if Kerry are down a few it’s going to be hard for them, but you’d be a fool to write them off .”