‘Free entry’ for Dubs rematch

A CROWD in excess of 10,000 people are expected in McHale Park, Castlebar next Saturday evening for the National Football League re-fixture between Mayo and Dublin.The original game had to be abandoned at half-time due to heavy fog with approximately 10,000 supporters having paid through the gates.And with no ticket return system in place on that night, patrons will be able to watch this match for free on Saturday — even if they weren’t at the original tie.The Mayo GAA Board will distribute tickets outside the ground where people can make a voluntary donation of €5 to a local charities fund. The Order of Malta, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, Western Care and the Western Alzheimers Foundation will be the beneficiaries.Meanwhile, Mayo have a number of injury concerns ahead of their rematch with the All-Ireland champions next weekend.Breaffy midfielder Seamus O’Shea (pictured) appears certain to be out after pulling his hamstring during Sunday’s defeat to Cork. He is expected to be sidelined for ‘three to four weeks’ according to Mayo selector Tom Prendergast.However, Aidan O’Shea returns from suspension and will be available for selection.Lee Keegan is also doubtful after going off injured in the first half on Sunday, after getting a knock on a dead leg injury he picked up against Donegal. Michael Conroy, who was substituted with ‘mild concussion’, is expected to be okay. Cillian O’Connor, who was also replaced against Cork, was not carrying an injury.Elsewhere, The Mayo News understands that three panelists were not considered for Mayo’s match-day squad of 26 players last Sunday due to a breach in discipline last week.When asked about the issue after the defeat to Cork, James Horan said: “We had a match day 26 today and an open panel all the time.”It was unclear at the time of going to print whether or not the players in question would be considered for selection for next Saturday’s match against Dublin or the final round game away to Kerry on April 8.





Fixture

Mayo v Dublin

Saturday, March 31Castlebar at 7pmReferee: TBC

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