O'Shaughessy could make Garrycastle

GARRYCASTLE manager Anthony Cunningham has dismissed rumours suggesting experienced midfielder David O'Shaughnessy could be forced to retire from the game due to ongoing injury problems. The suggestions that the former Westmeath midfield tyro could be forced to hang up his boots comes as Garrycastle prepare to face St Loman's in Sunday week's senior football county final. The identity of Garrycastle's opponents in the county decider became clear last weekend when St Loman's disposed of Coralstown/Kinnegad in the semi-final. And Anthony Cunningham is confident that O'Shaughnessy - who has been back in light training recently - has every chance of making the panel for the final, despite O'Shaughnessy been plagued with injuries in the last few years, the most of which concerned a troublesome ankle knock. The Garrycastle manager said: "I don't know where that rumour has come from but there's no truth in it whatsoever. David has been following a strict programme to get back to fitness and has been involved in some light training over the last few weeks. I'd anticipate David stepping up his training regime this week and taking it from there. David has had well documented difficulties with injury in recent times but he is getting back to fitness and played a bit of a match last weekend. Like every other player at the club, David is part of the panel and has to fight for a place in the starting line-up - the same applies to each and every Garrycastle player as the final approaches." Otherwise, Cunningham said preparations are well on course for Garrycastle ahead of the big day in Cusack Park. Garrycastle, of course, will be determined to wipe out bad memories of their final defeat to Castledaly last year. But Cunningham - who watched St Loman's beat Coralstown/Kinnegad last weekend - knows the task will be tough. "I thought St Loman's were very impressive last weekend and they're hitting some very big scores. They have a young, fast team and are very evenly balanced throughout the team. It's been a long year for our players and this is the culmination of lots of hard work and commitment. Finals are hard won though, and Sunday week's will be no different," said Cunningham.