Sligo's chances of beating the reigning Connacht champions, Mayo, in the Connacht final on Sunday week have suffered a cruel blow. Their promising forward Philip Neary is in Sligo General Hospital after breaking his arm in a car crash last week and will be out of action for at least two months.
Neary, from the Tubbercurry club, suffered the injury while travelling as a passenger in his girlfriend's car not far from his home and is detained in hospital as he suffered concussion also in the crash. His girlfriend was not seriously injured.
Neary was one of the stars of Sligo's semi-final victory over
Roscommon and is regarded by many as a bright prospect.
Yesterday the Sligo manager, Mickey Moran, said that his loss would be a serious one for Sligo. "Although he is only 20 he has had a big effect on the side since he joined the squad. It is a very disappointing development for the lad and he is, quite naturally, devastated. He has exceptional talent with terrific skill."
His place in the Sligo attack - he scored three points against
Roscommon from left-half forward - will probably go to his club-mate,
Brian Walsh, who was expected to be in the side against Roscommon but was not fully fit.
Meanwhile, Mayo are planning to retain their Connacht title without the services of Kevin Cahill at fullback and suspended centre forward Colm McManamon. Cahill is injured and his place will probably be filled by Pat Holmes, with David Heaney expected to be recruited into the attack.
There is some concern about Heaney, however, following an injury in a club match between Swinford and Baal at the weekend but he is expected to have recovered in time.
The Leinster Council has confirmed that the second replay of the
Leinster football championship semi-final between Kildare and Meath will be played at Croke Park on August 3rd. The final therefore been put back to August 16th. The final of the Leinster minor football final between Laois and Wicklow will be played on the same day as the senior final. The decision was made at a meeting of the Council last night and, it is believed, both dates at Croke Park will be all-ticket as both are expected to attract record crowds. Offaly, who will play the winners of the Kildare-Meath match in the final, are thought to be unhappy with the situation but the options which were open were no less acceptable. Next Saturday was ruled out because the preparation of the Croke Park pitch for the American football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears has already started. The option of using Thurles as a venue on either the 10th or 17th of August was also ruled out and, reluctantly it is believed, Offaly finally agreed to the new schedule.
