“I’ve been very lucky, body-wise.”
Aidan O’Shea is currently preparing for a county final for his club Breaffy, but people still want to know what his plans are with Mayo, especially as several teammates announced their retirement.
After Mayo lost to Dublin the All-Ireland quarter final, both Jason Doherty and Kevin McGloughlin announced their retirements from inter-county football, two men who have soldered with O’Shea throughout his entire career.
Last season also saw key names like Lee Keegan step away from the panel, so the question inevitably starts to turn to the flying full forward as creeps deeper into his 30s.
However, the two-time All-Star played one of his most productive seasons for Mayo yet last season, relishing in his role as a full forward, and was particularly impressive in the National League.
With performances at a good levels and the body still doing ticking well, O’Shea told the Irish Independent that he sees no reason why he won’t be involved next year.
“I’ve been very lucky, body-wise, that I have never had any injuries, touching wood, when I say that. I feel I am in a decent spot, I enjoy it immensely.
“I enjoy being part of every training session, all the games and ultimately I want to win. I still think I can add a bit of value, whether that’s on the training field or in games. I am happy to do that.
“I am enjoying my football and as long as the boys want me I’ll probably be knocking around.”
The Mayo star won’t be thinking about inter-county glory this weekend, as he prepares to play in his fifth Mayo final, and having lost the previous four, there is a familiar pain in playing for Breaffy as there is for his county.
However, if one man knows how to come back time and time again, it’s O’Shea, and he will be looking to finally add that elusive medal to his trophy cabinet this Sunday, when his side play Ballina for a chance of Glory.
Related links:
- Former Mayo footballer Alan Dillon grills Ryan Tubridy at RTÉ payments hearing
- Tomás Ó Sé doesn’ spare Mayo as Dublin derail the hype train
- Peter Canavan makes scary Dublin comparison after Mayo demolition
