Mayo have suffered a hammer blow to their Sam Maguire ambitions with confirmation that Paddy Durcan has suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
The Mayo skipper, 29, is a key driver in their eternal question for that elusive All-Ireland title, but he had already endured a stop-start campaign before damaging his knee during Saturday’s All-Ireland group clash victory over Cavan.
Having sat out the Connacht final loss to Galway, the wing-back dynamo came off the bench during the second half in Castlebar only for injury to strike once more in the game’s final play.
A Mayo GAA statement has now confirmed a cruciate ligament diagnosis following further medical assessment today.
“Paddy Durcan is an admired figure throughout the county. Mayo GAA would like to wish him all the very best in his recovery, in which he will be supported by our medical team,” the statement adds.
Mayo manager Kevin McStay described the setback as “very disappointing news for Paddy and for everyone involved in Mayo GAA. He is a valued player who also exhibits outstanding leadership capabilities. We will all support and rally around him in his recovery.
“Paddy will remain our captain and a vital member of our squad, where he will continue to lead and inspire us. We look forward to his return to the playing field.”