Mixed news for Mayo on injury front

There is both good and bad news for Mayo on the injury front, with Alan Dillon's return to competitive action for his club coinciding with injuries over the weekend to Michael Conroy, Jason Doherty and Enda Varley.

Attacker Dillon, an All Star in 2006 and 2012, missed practically the entire campaign in Division I of the Allianz Football League due to a problematic groin/leg muscle injury. His only appearance came as a substitute in the February 10 defeat to Tyrone.

However, he came on as a substitute for his club Ballintubber at the weekend in their league game against Breaffy, playing the entire second half and showing no ill effects from his lengthy absence.

Mayo travel to Pearse Stadium to take on Galway on May 19 in the Connacht quarter-final, and Dillon looks likely to be available for James Horan's side that day, a timely boost given that the injury news is not so good elsewhere for the Mayo boss at the moment.

Although Keith Higgins is fit again after recent hamstring problems, Andy Moran is struggling to be in contention for the Galway game as he continues his difficult recuperation from the cruciate knee ligament tear he suffered in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final against Down.

As well as the continued absence of Moran, a number of Mayo county players suffered injuries while playing for their clubs over the weekend.

Forwards Michael Conroy (shoulder), Enda Varley and Jason Doherty (both ankle) are all awaiting news on the extent of injuries they suffered in club games, but the initial reports were that all three were potentially serious.

Barry Moran, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, did not play for his club Castlebar Mitchels at the weekend, but he remains in contention to feature in the Galway game.