Football

Down injury woes begin to ease as trio near return

The return of Daniel Guinness, Pierce Laverty and Pat Havern in the coming weeks would be a boost for Down boss James McCartan. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The return of Daniel Guinness, Pierce Laverty and Pat Havern in the coming weeks would be a boost for Down boss James McCartan. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
By Neil Loughran

DOWN’S early season injury woes are beginning to ease – though possibly not in time for Saturday evening’s crunch clash with Galway.

Boss James McCartan welcomed Burren speedster Liam Kerr back into the fold for last weekend’s opening Division Two defeat to Ulster rivals Derry, while Caolan Mooney returned to the starting 15 sooner than expected after a knock to the head forced him out of the Mourne County’s McKenna Cup defeat to Antrim.

McCartan’s attacking options received a boost with the return to training last night of Saval’s Pat Havern, who hasn’t featured since starting the opening Dr McKenna Cup game against Donegal in Ballybofey.

Saul’s Pierce Laverty and Carryduff’s Daniel Guinness - both regular starters in the half-back line under Paddy Tally - are also back training, though it is doubtful they will be ready in time for Galway at Pairc Esler.

Dynamic Mayobridge forward Corey Quinn remains sidelined with a hip injury, Carryduff’s John McGeough was taken off against the Saffrons on January 11 and wasn’t involved against Derry, while the powerful Cormac O’Rawe could also be facing a spell on the sidelines.

The Bredagh man caught the eye in defeat to Donegal at MacCumhaill Park, his aerial ability and driving runs causing problems for Declan Bonner’s experimental side, particularly in the first half.

O’Rawe also played the full game against Antrim and looked in line to start Down’s League opener against Derry. However, a shoulder injury sustained in a challenge game against Fermanagh is a setback as McCartan could use his physical prowess.

Meanwhile, Padraic Joyce’s Tribesmen travel to Newry in confident mood having easily dispatched Meath in Salthill on Sunday - debutant and former Antrim player Owen Gallagher crowning a good display with a point.

However, Joyce will again be without the talismanic Damien Comer. The former Galway captain featured in their recent FBD League campaign but played no part in that 11-point victory over the Royals.

The Galway boss explained afterwards that Comer had suffered slight tightness in his hamstring and wouldn’t be back in time for the clash with the Mournemen.