The championship’s all-time top scorer looks set to miss out on Mayo latest All-Ireland tilt.
Mayo fans would have been fearing the worst about Cillian O’Connor, on Sunday, as he limped off during the Division 2 semi-final win over Clare.
Mayo’s victory will see them return to Division 1, next year, but it came at a cost. O’Connor’s face told you all you needed to know. He had done some damage.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mayo confirmed the bad news – their frontline talisman will be heading for surgery later this week. A statement from Mayo GAA reads:
“Following last Sunday’s NFL game versus Clare GAA all injured players received further assessment with the Mayo medical team.
“Cillian O’Connor sustained an Achilles Tendon injury that will require a procedure this week.
“We wish him well and look forward to seeing him on the playing field again as soon as possible.”
The 29-year-old will be required to wear a protective cast between two and three months after his surgery. With the championship due to wrap in late August, that rules O’Connor out of their upcoming championship campaign.
O’Connor left the field of play in the first half of his 100th inter-county outing, having scored 1-4. His younger brother, Diarmuid also hobbled off after an awkward fall in the 11th minute.
