KIERAN GAVIN HAS returned to the Westmeath squad ahead of Sunday’s Allianz Division 2 FL decider after recovering from burns suffered in a recent accident at work.
But the 2012 DCU Sigerson Cup winning captain must be content with a place on the bench for the clash in Croke Park against Derry.
Gavin suffered the burns to his shoulder and face in an accident involving boiling water. The defender works as a technical service representative for Chem-Aqua water treatment and missed Westmeath’s last league game against Derry.
Yet he returned to action for his club Mullingar Shamrocks in a local senior game last Sunday as last year’s Westmeath senior kingpins defeated Bunbrosna by 0-12 to 0-5.
Gavin has not been included in the starting fifteen for next Sunday’s tie as manager Pat Flanagan makes eight changes from the side that started in their heavy defeat against Derry in Celtic Park a fortnight ago.
Westmeath had already secured promotion and a spot in the league decider for that match which afforded Flanagan the opportunity to rest some of his established players. Goalkeeper Gary Connaughton, defender James Dolan, midfielder John Heslin and attackers Ger Egan, Callum McCormack, Kieran Martin, Ciaran Curley and Denis Glennon all return to the side.
WESTMEATH: Gary Connaughton (Tubberclair); Mark McCallion (Garrycastle), John Gaffey (Garrycastle), Kevin Maguire (Caulry); Doron Harte (Garrycastle), Paul Sharry (St Loman’s), James Dolan (Garrycastle); David Duffy (Shandonagh), John Heslin (St Loman’s); Ger Egan (Tyrrellspass), Callum McCormack (Maryland), Kieran Martin (Maryland); Denis Corroon (Mullingar Shamrocks), Ciaran Curley (Mullingar Shamrocks), Denis Glennon (Tyrrellspass).
Cavan Cruciate Curse
Meanwhile Gearoid McKiernan has become the latest inter-county player to be struck down with a cruciate ligament injury. The 22 year-old suffered the injury in a game with his club Swanlibar last Sunday and underwent a scan in the Santry Sports Injury Clinic on Monday.
He received the results of the scan yesterday and his worst fears were confirmed with the news that he will miss the rest of the season. McKiernan has emerged a major player for the Breffni County in recent seasons and started in all nine of their competitive games in the Dr McKenna Cup and Allianz Football League to date this year.
The news is a major blow for Cavan ahead of their Ulster championship opener against Armagh in the preliminary round on May 19th as they seek to build on the recent success of the county’s U21 sides in winning the last three provincial titles at that grade.
Cavan midfielder Gearoid McKiernan.
Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Cavan senior boss Terry Hyland described McKiernan as ‘an inspiration’ when speaking to the GAA’s official website earlier today.
“It’s devastating for him personally because he had put in a massive effort and has done over the last couple of years. And when we look back on last year’s league campaign, he’s probably one of the only players that has played in every single minute of the league for us.
“He has been an inspiration there for Cavan for the last few years. In fairness to Gearóid, he has a very good work ethic.
“We do kind of smile sometimes after training because he is one of the fellas that the kitman is always giving out about because when he goes to look for the footballs, Gearóid has gone off with them! I’ve no doubt he will come back to be a top inter-county player.”
Former Cavan player and current high-performance coach with AFL outfit GWS Giants Nicholas Walsh tweeted support for McKiernan.
