Updated 22.50

GAVIN DUFFY HAS not been left idle for long after the ex-Connacht captain was not offered a renewed contract by his home province this month.

Last week, we brought you the news that the Mayo man had been pondering a return to gaelic games.

But rather than just helping out his local club, Mayo have this evening confirmed that Duffy has joined the senior county panel.

Manager James Horan says: “Gavin Duffy was invited down to join up with the squad for a couple of weeks where the management will have a look at him to see where he is at.”

He added that Duffy is a “professional athlete who brings great leadership and a presence to the squad.”

Newstalk’s Off The Ball had earlier heard from former county star David Brady, who had heard a good report of the former fullback’s exploits in the (other) 15-man game, despite the Ballina native not playing competitively with an O’Neill’s ball since 1999.

“Someone said to me that he didn’t just fit in, he stood out,” said Brady.

Originally published 21.38

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