Football

Conor McManus still in frame for Armagh game amid injury concerns

Conor McManus had to be helped from the field after picking up an injury towards the end of Monaghan's Ulster Championship victory over Fermanagh. Picture by Philip Walsh
Conor McManus had to be helped from the field after picking up an injury towards the end of Monaghan's Ulster Championship victory over Fermanagh. Picture by Philip Walsh Conor McManus had to be helped from the field after picking up an injury towards the end of Monaghan's Ulster Championship victory over Fermanagh. Picture by Philip Walsh

MONAGHAN haven’t given up hope that star forward Conor McManus could yet feature in their Ulster Championship semi-final showdown with Armagh on July 17.

There were worrying scenes when the Clontibret ace left St Tiernach’s Park on crutches after Saturday’s last eight victory over Fermanagh, his right thigh also heavily bandaged, having been forced off late in the game.

However, The Irish News understands that the suspected knee injury may not be as bad as initially feared – and that he remains in the frame for that clash with Kieran McGeeney’s Orchardmen.

Despite the depth of the Farney panel, losing a forward of the class of McManus would be a huge blow, as selector David McCague admitted in the wake of that 10-point victory over the Ernemen.

“They’re all important but you can’t deny the quality that Conor McManus has,” he said.

“There’s not many players in the country with that talent and skill-set. We value them all, but he brings a particular value because of the area of the field he plays and the amount he contributes to the scoreboard.”

Hopes are also high that experienced midfielder Darren Hughes could be available to face Armagh. The Scotstown man limped from the field before half-time on Saturday and, like McManus, faces a race against time to shake off that injury before the semi-final.

Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney - who will return to the line after completing his suspension for breaching the GAA’s Covid-19 training regulations - is not short of options around the middle, with Championship debutant Killian Lavelle performing well on Saturday while 2018 Allstar nominee Niall Kearns, who replaced Hughes, also impressed.

It is understood that Newry’s Pairc Esler is the frontrunner to host the Armagh-Monaghan game.

Last week the Stormont executive increased the numbers allowed at sporting events in the north, having previously been capped at 500.

A crowd of 1,700 was allowed to attend Sunday’s Ulster quarter-final clash between Armagh and Antrim as a result but, as Ulster GAA will have more time to sort out logistics, that figure could be increased for the two semi-finals later this month – depending on where they take place.

Wing-back Conor Moynagh has returned to the Cavan fold to bolster Mickey Graham's options ahead of Saturday's Ulster Championship showdown with Tyrone. Picture by Philip Walsh
Wing-back Conor Moynagh has returned to the Cavan fold to bolster Mickey Graham's options ahead of Saturday's Ulster Championship showdown with Tyrone. Picture by Philip Walsh Wing-back Conor Moynagh has returned to the Cavan fold to bolster Mickey Graham's options ahead of Saturday's Ulster Championship showdown with Tyrone. Picture by Philip Walsh

MEANWHILE, Conor Moynagh could be involved in Saturday’s Ulster Championship showdown with Tyrone after rejoining the Breffni panel in recent weeks.

The Drumgoon wing-back, who earned an Allstar nomination for his performances in Cavan’s run to the 2019 provincial final, had relocated to New Zealand and missed out as Mickey Graham’s men swept to a first Ulster title in 23 years last November.

However, it is understood that after returning to Ireland he was part of the wider panel that travelled to Navan for last month’s shock Division Three relegation play-off defeat to Wicklow, and could be in the frame for a starting spot in Omagh.

Given that Cavan are already without the influential Ciaran Brady (knee) as they prepare to begin their Anglo-Celt Cup defence, with James Smith also in a race against time, Moynagh’s timely return to the fold is welcome news for the Breffnimen.