Conor Byrne on the road to recovery
A WELCOME SIGHT
ANYONE who watched the Avondale Senior footballers warming up in a bitterly cold Blessington on Friday night would have seen a very welcome sight for all Wicklow GAA supporters.
The last time most people remember seeing Conor Byrne was in the photos of the talented footballer being stretchered off the field in Echelon Park Aughrim last September after picking up a horrendous leg break during the Senior football championship clash with An Tóchar.
But, as Alan Costello’s charges went through their preparations ahead of their meeting with reigning champions Blessington in the opening round of SFL Division 1 games, there was Conor Byrne going through the paces alongside his clubmates.
And while he took no part in the game and is no doubt a while away from a return to competitive action, the sight of him back in the fold and looking sharp was very welcome.
Also refreshing was the fact that several Blessington players approached Conor before and after the game and inquired as to his wellbeing and potential return, showing that beyond the white lines there is respect and friendship in plentiful supply.
Defeat was the end result for the ’Dales, but they won’t be too crestfallen when all is said and done. They were playing the county champions on their home turf, and they are without several key men including Conor Byrne.
Given the quality on show in this game and the soldiers still to return, this could be a good year for the Rathdrum men as they look to bounce back up from Intermediate.