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01st Apr 2017

Mayo’s chances of remaining in Division 1 just received a huge boost

This could prove crucial

Sean McMahon

It has been an incredible season so far in the Allianz Football League.

Across all divisions there are a huge number of sides who don’t know their league status for next season.

Such is the way that the last number of weeks have panned out, many teams could be relegated, promoted or reach a respective final.

The last round of Division 1 fixtures take place on Sunday and there are a number of teams who have a lot to play for.

The clash between Mayo and Donegal is one of these.

Donegal will reach the Division 1 final if they beat Mayo.

While Stephen Rochford’s side could easily be staring down the barrel of relegation if they lose to their opponents.

In fact, they could reach the final themselves but would need a remarkable set of results to go their way.

Mayo’s chances of beating Donegal have now received a huge boost with the news that Ryan McHugh has been ruled out with injury and won’t be able to line-out for the north-western county.

According to RTÉ Sport, the 22-year-old suffered ankle tendon damage in his side’s draw with Monaghan and has been ruled out for the immediate future.

It’s a huge blow to Donegal, especially if they make the final.

They open their Ulster Championship campaign against Antrim on May 21 and Rory Gallagher will be hoping that his star man will have recovered in time for that match.

From a Mayo perspective, their task on Sunday in Castlebar just seems to have gotten that little bit easier, especially when you take into account the goal threat which the 22-year-old poses, as Dublin will tell you from their clash with Donegal at the end of February.

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