It was generally felt that the Mayo u21s would not be prevented from winning their fourth Connacht title in a row at Markievicz Park last Saturday evening, having disposed of the two big heavy weights; Galway and Roscommon in earlier rounds. After 15 minutes of the match in Sligo it was very evident that Sligo were in the ‘also ran’ category! It was only a question of the margin of victory, and as it transpired Mayo ran out very comfortably on a final score line that flattered them a little. In fairness to Sligo they battled bravely right to the end, but they just didn’t have anything like the quality of players that Mayo possessed. Mayo scored 3-11 from play over the 60 or so minutes of the game and right from the throw in it was evident that management had their troops focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, from a spectator point of view, this match didn’t represent great value for money as Sligo really had no answer to the slick mobility of the opposition. This Mayo team have already provided sufficient entertainment in two brilliant performances against Galway and Roscommon. It was difficult enough to select a man of the match as practically every Mayo player had his moments. Billy Fitzpatrick who had this task for Mid West Radio selected Jason Doherty, and it would be hard to disagree with him as Jason has improved with every outing so far this year and is playing with great confidence and authority. Aidan O’ Shea has been very good at every level this year and I thought that he in particular produced a flawless display from start to finish last Saturday. Kevin McLoughlin is another who has caught the eye and having watched him up close on three occasions I have to say this guy is the real deal. He kicked a magnificent point off his left foot from the left wing in the first half that was as fine a score as you will witness this year. Cathal Carolan got through his customary truck load of toil in another performance of relentless intensity. Tom Parsons has returned to the form that we witnessed a year or two ago and there must surely be no one doubting his talent at this stage. Eoghan Reilly, son of Tom (Monaghan and Castlebar ) is another I would suggest can step up to the next level. His labour is rarely high profile (most defenders fall into this category ) but he just toils away selflessly, always alert to imminent danger like a smart defender should be. I mentioned last week the immense contribution of Noel Connelly, Pat Holmes, and Mícheál Collins who have managed Mayo u21s for the last four years. They deserve a lot of credit for producing a team that are always well drilled, well disciplined, and keen to play the game as it is meant to be played.
Being back on the line
I went into Lyon’s shop in Castlebar reasonably early last Sunday morning to pick up the paper. Dave Lyons, the proprietor, is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporter of Gaelic football with an interest in all Mayo teams and the local club scene too. He told me that John Kelly from Moy Davitts had been in much earlier the same morning and that he appeared a little excited. You see, John is the current manager of the Davitts senior team and they were playing Crossmolina later that afternoon. Apparently John is up at the crack of dawn on match days going through different permutations and team selections for the game later in the day. As it transpired we had a right cracker of an opening match of the county league which ended in a draw. I know how well he did things because I happened to be patrolling the line with Crossmolina. I also realise after Sunday that any visiting team to Moy Davitts this year will be treated to wonderful hospitality after the game in a local hostelry. But I have to admit there will be little affection shown to anyone before the business is conducted on the field. Davitts have a fine team and they play with enormous passion. The game ebbed and flowed throughout and I think a draw was a fair result in the end. This was my first game of the season too. I thoroughly enjoyed being back on the line again and although the intensity and pressure is not anything like you would experience managing an inter-county team, I must admit the old butterflies were tingling throughout the afternoon. It’s great to be involved and I am looking forward to big battles ahead.
Welcoming the champions
Tyrone, the All Ireland champions are in town this weekend. We have developed a unique relationship with Tyrone in recent years. We have crossed paths on the football field practically every year over the last decade or so. But it was the weekend following the tragic and sudden death of Cormac McAnallen in March 2004 in particular that we strengthened our friendship with the Tyrone people. The then All- Ireland champions were scheduled to play their first national league match after Cormac’s death in Castlebar. A large number of supporters accompanied the Tyrone team to a special Mass that was arranged in Ballintubber Abbey on the Saturday evening preceding the game. Cormac had a lot of relations and friends in and around Ballintubber and the local community out there really did go that extra step to ensure there was a warm welcome for everyone who travelled to Mayo that weekend. I have met several people since who recall with fondness the warm welcome afforded to them here in Mayo. As I recall the game on that occasion lacked any real intensity with Tyrone winning it rather easily. There will be a greater edge to the game this Sunday as it is the visitors who need the two points on offer to avoid relegation. Mayo on the other hand are practically guaranteed division 1 football next year (they would have to lose by something like 18 points to be relegated ). I would imagine that the Mayo management will not risk playing any of the under- 21 players in this match. Aidan O’ Shea in particular would benefit from a break as he has played an enormous amount of football in recent weeks. Their absence will weaken Mayo’s hand a little, but it will present an opportunity of some game time for some of the fringe players before a panel is named for the championship. I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to have the three senior boys, Nallen, Heaney, and Higgins reintroduced after their winter hibernation. All three played last weekend in a challenge match against Offaly and from what I hear all three played well. Apparently they will not be recalled until the conclusion of the league this weekend. I expect Mayo will, as always, be resilient and stubborn, but ultimately I expect the greater hunger for survival on this occasion will rest with Tyrone.
Tragic loss of life
I was in Dublin a few weeks ago when I got an early morning call informing me of the dreadful and shocking incident involving Garda Robert McCallion in Letterkenny. To be cut down in the prime of his young life while demonstrating fearless traits in the line of his Garda duty has left everyone sick to the core. Robert played underage football for Mayo and was a loyal and committed player with his home club, Swinford. His family, girlfriend, Garda colleagues, club mates, and wide circle of friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
