Sligo Gaelic Football fans will be pleased to hear of the return of Charlie Harrison and Johnny Martyn, two players who spent most of last year marooned on the sideline due to injury.
Harrison ruptured his cruciate ligament in March which automatically excluded him from the remainder of Sligo's season while Martyn was struck down with an ankle ligament issue.
Martyn subsequently recovered in time to assist his club St Mary's in the winning of their first county title in some 14 years, indicating that he is ready to make a full return this year. And according to Sligo boss Niall Carew, Charlie Harrison is close to full fitness as well.
The return of AllStar Charlie Harrison & Johnny Martyn to the Sligo panel is a big lift to get early in the season, says manager Niall Carew
— The Gaelic Game (@gaelicgame1884) December 28, 2015
Carew has expressed his delight in the progress of the players and is looking forward to seeing them back in action for Sligo again in the FBD League.
'It's massive to have the two lads back in with us,. Especially with Ross Donovan gone. I'll be hoping to have the two of them back 100 per cent in time for the start of the league.'
'Charlie is flying it again, we're trying to ease him back into it. Like Johnny, it's hard to get them to take it easy they're so keen. We'll probably give them a run in the FBD League, but we need the two of them. They're big players for us.'
Thanks to @annkely for providing the cooling system for the trip back to Dublin! pic.twitter.com/M5WmdUgwP5
— charlie harrison (@harr_charlie) April 26, 2015
Harrison was one of their pivotal players when Sligo last captured a Connacht title in 2007 and later went on to occupy the captain's role when they narrowly lost out to Sligo in the 2010 provincial decider. He was awarded his fourth All-Star later that year.
Johnny Martyn's return to form charts an exceptional exhibition of resilience. The 34 year-old underwent surgery last year after suffering a stroke and was intent on playing a more central role when he made his comeback this year only for the interference of his ankle injury.
Sligo will open their 2016 FBD League campaign next Sunday in Tuam Stadium against old rivals Galway.
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