The in-form forward, who scored 1-2 against Cork the previous week, was replaced by Philip Ryan in he 28th minute of the Dubs' 1-11 to 0-4 success in Killarney.

Connolly will also be doubtful for the round 4 meeting with Kildare on Sunday, March 10, while midfielder Michael Darragh Macauley is another definite absentee for the Mayo game - he picked up a straight red card during the second half against Kerry.

But Denis Bastick looks set to step in as cover as he will be back available for Jim Gavin's side following his four-week suspension for his dismissal in the O'Byrne Cup final loss to Kildare.

In this afternoon's key Sigerson Cup clash, reigning champions DCU ran out 2-10 to 0-6 winners over UCD at the DCU Sportsgrounds. Dubs star Paul Flynn and Donegal's All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy scored the goals.

Murphy found the net with a thumping penalty effort to help Niall Moyna's charges take a 1-2 to 0-3 lead into the break.

The big full-forward soon soloed brilliantly past Ross O'Carroll and with two more defenders for company, he clipped over a terrific point off the outside of his right boot.

UCD's challenge faltered after Laois forward Donie Kingston was given a harsh red card following the advice of a linesman.

With a strong wind behind them, the hosts wrapped up the victory with Flynn's strike. They join DIT and UCC in the last-four, with the fourth semi-final taking place this evening between Athlone IT and Cork IT at the AIT GAA pitch.