You’d have to wonder how does a rumour get started.
One of the more disturbing GAA rumours of late was that Lee Keegan of Mayo was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it was completely unfounded and led to the player himself doing an interview with Mike Finnerty of Mayo News to quash the claims:
“I definitely can confirm that I don’t have MS, which is a very serious condition and something that really shouldn’t be discussed in the manner that it has been.
“Just in terms of my family being asked about my health, I felt it was important to clarify the situation. I’m 100% fine and healthy, and thankfully have no illness like that.”
Keegan will be sidelined for the early parts of 2018 after undergoing two hip operations but fortunately, it was not as the rumours suggested.
Aidan O’Shea was asked about the Keegan situation and revealed that when in Australia for the International Rules, members of the squad were asking if the rumours were true or unfounded:
“It’s a strange one,” the Breaffy man said “It wasn’t something saw on social media or anything like that. It was more a word of mouth. You’d love to know where these things start, it’s obviously not nice.”
“Leeroy himself, just knowing the guy, I’d say it’s water off a duck’s back but for his family and people in Westport and Mayo in general, it’s not a nice rumour to have something that’s that serious.
“I was out in Australia and boys were asking me was it true. I was like, ‘No it’s not true.’ It’s obviously not nice but it’s put to bed now and thankfully it’s done.”
Every year in every county there are different rumours floating about, Mayo is no exception but the 2017 All-Star believes that it is only because supporters in the county are “football mad.”
“People in Mayo are passionate about the game and we’re a football mad, crazy county. People love to talk about it and that’s probably why it happens.”
The 27-year-old also paid tribute to Alan Dillion, who retired from inter-county duty on Tuesday:
“I’d be close to Alan,” O’Shea said.
“I work with him and he lives down the road from me as well. I’ve gotten very close to Alan over the last nine or ten years.
“I was in Chicago with him a couple of weeks ago and he would have informed me then that he’d be making his decision. He let the group know this morning before the press release.
“It’s sad to see him go because he’s obviously a really, really good footballer. I looked up to him as a young fella, got to play with him and now obviously a very good friend of his.
“Classy player, one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with and a great passer of a ball, he always spotted things. A big loss to us, obviously gutted for him that we didn’t get over the line while he was a part of the squad and it’s just sad to see him go.”
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