Gavin Duffy joins Mayo football squad

The Mayo County Board has confirmed that former Connacht Rugby captain and former Mayo GAA Minor Player Gavin Duffy has joined up with the Mayo Senior Football squad.

A statement from the Mayo County Board read: "James Horan recently met with Duffy and on Tuesday night the former rugby star joined up with the rest of the squad for a training session."

Mayo Senior Football manager James Horan confirmed: "Gavin Duffy was invited down to join up with the squad for a couple of weeks where the management will have a look at him to see where he is at."

James Horan also said that Duffy, who is 32 and left Connacht Rugby after 13 years with the province recently, is a "professional athlete who brings great leadership and a presence to the squad."

The statement continued: "Gavin Duffy has always claimed that we would love to play with his county and has previously lined out with the Mayo Minor Football Team.

"The Mayo County Board are delighted to see a player of the calibre of Gavin Duffy linked with the Mayo Senior Football Team and hopefully will remain a permanent presence in the Mayo Senior Football team setup."

Photo: Gavin Duffy, Mayo, in action against Liam Doyle, Down. Down. Down v Mayo, All Ireland Minor Football Final 1999, Croke Park, Dublin.