Injuries leave Farney fans concerned

Monaghan's Conor McManus

THE SERIES of news stories about the Monaghan panel’s various absentees has quashed the Farney fans’ hopes of glory ahead of this weekend’s Ulster Championship quarter-final clash with Antrim.

The most recent crocked star is Darren Hughes, who suffered repeated dead legs which have led to a calcification of the bone, a serious injury that could rule him out of the entire championship.

“To be honest with you, the people from Monaghan would not be overly confident about this game,” said former Monaghan forward Ray McCarron.

“There are a few serious injuries to players who will be missing. Darren Hughes and Eoin Lennon could be missing. When you take those two players out of it, because of their experience, it is going to put Monaghan in a difficult position.”

Darren Hughes suffered two dead legs in club matches and then had a scan to reveal the calcification.

It’s a difficult injury which Armagh’s James Lavery also experienced and if not rested and treated properly, the injury could end his career. However the Scotstown star said that he thinks he could be back by the end of June.

Tommy Freeman hurt his hamstring a few weeks ago and is also a concern. Neil McAdam has a tendon problem in his hand, while Eoin Lennon has partially dislocated his ankle.

All four players are very important to Monaghan’s chances of success this weekend.
Hughes has played every minute of competitive football for Monaghan this year. Tommy Freeman has only recently returned to the side, though he is an important player while Lennon missed just one League match.

Yet the absences might allow a few younger stars to shine.

“The positive is that I still think there is enough talent there to compete. There are a few minor lads there who would be helped by playing some Championship football. We should give them the opportunity.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published Thursday May 24. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or click here to purchase the pdf for just 90p.