RYAN READY TO CRACK ON
MAYO’S Ryan O’Donoghue says he is “never taking a game for granted again” after an injury-hit 2022.
A groin problem sidelined the Belmullet man for much of the year and he didn’t feature at all for Mayo in the Championship.
He has gotten on top of it of late and starred in the League opener against Galway on Saturday night, top-scoring with 0-6.
And he was keen to savour the whole experience after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
He said: “To be honest with you, I am never taking a game for granted again.
“Not even a training session.
“I had a sickening year last year with my groin injury and ended up being out for the guts of seven months. I only played a half for Belmullet in the club championship.
“I am taking every week as it comes now.
“After last year, you could pick up any injury at any time.
“I am really taking every week as it comes and looking forward to training Tuesday.”
O’Donoghue explained how attempts to play through the injury ran aground.
“We got to the [2021] county final against Knockmore.
“Then we were straight in again [with Mayo] last December, January.
“I had a tough 18 months and carrying it through the League.
“It just didn’t put up with me, to be honest.
“That’s sport. One of these things, I am working with all the physios, keeping it in rehab and prehab. Please God, I can stay fit.”
Hero
O’Donoghue emerged as Mayo’s hero late on against Galway as his point in the sixth minute of injury time ensured a share of the spoils.
“I’d one before that in a similar space and put it wide. Mattie [Ruane] had a word in my ear: ‘We’ll back you. If you get the opportunity take it again’.
“In the back of my head, I knew the boys trusted me. I’ve practised that shot; I’d kick it in my sleep usually. I backed myself and saw it go between the sticks.”
The appointment of Kevin McStay as manager, along with a very experienced backroom team, has brought “a buzz about the place”, says O’Donoghue, as Mayo go to Armagh in their second League outing this coming Sunday.
He added: “A new management team comes in, it’s a clean slate. Everyone wants to put their hand up.
“We’ve lads who didn’t get on today champing at the bit. In this new setup, the way the League is, there are going to be games thick and fast. Everyone is going to get their opportunity. It’s about taking it.
“Now you need a squad of 35-plus. Obviously, only 26 make the panel and five come on, but we have plenty of opportunities for everyone.
“It’s good. I’m really liking it.”