*Emmet McMahon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE forward Emmet McMahon is a major injury doubt ahead of next weekend’s crunch final round tie with Down in the Allianz National Football League.
McMahon sustained a knee injury at Clare senior football training on Thursday night which ruled him out of Saturday’s three point win over Antrim in Cusack Park.
A scan is needed to determine the extent of the Kildysart man’s injury. Having nailed down a starting spot on the team in Colm Collins’ final season as manager, Emmet has become a key leader of the side in 2024 for Mark Fitzgerald’s first campaign in charge, any spell on the sideline for McMahon would serve as a massive blow for Clare’s cause this season.
McMahon underwent this scan on Monday, the results of which are yet to be confirmed.
Captain Cillian Brennan remains out of action through injury as does Brendy Rouine, the Ennistymon forward featured in the All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Derry two seasons ago but missed all of last year’s senior championship with a groin problem.
Management welcomed back Brendy’s older brother Cillian to the fold in the sixth round win, he was introduced as a substitute in the second half having struggled with a hamstring injury, he will be pressing for a more prominent role ahead of their final round clash with Down.
Fitzgerald and his management opted against using Darragh Bohannon who was available for selection for the first time this year.
Forward Cormac Murray went off with a hamstring injury in the closing moments of Saturday’s game but is expected to be available to line out in Down.
Speaking at the weekend, the Clare manager outlined the latest on the injuries. “Emmet hurt his knee, we’ll have to see. Darragh Bohannon we didn’t want to risk him. Cormac said he had a tight hamstring, we’ve a couple of walking wounded but we’ll see what way it goes during the week”.
