Mayo will be represented in the first round of the Champions League next week when Damien McGrath steps out on to the field in the biggest club competition in the world. McGrath’s stock has risen highly in Mayo and nationally over the past number of years and this is just the latest high level promotion for him. McGrath will be first assistant referee, alongside the all Irish team of Alan Kelly who will be the referee, Ken Hennessey, and Paraic Sutton, who will act as fourth official. The two additional assistants are Anthony Buttimer and Neil Doyle. “It’s a great honour for me and also for the Mayo referees branch,” McGrath said.
Chairman of the Mayo league, Padraig McHale, congratulated McGrath on his appointment. “It will be a great occasion for him and indeed the rest of the referees that are officiating at the game,” he said. “This is another first for Mayo football. I am sure he will be wished all the best by everyone involved in Mayo soccer.” At the time of going to press McGrath was not aware of which game he will be involved in, as referees are only selected at the last minute for confidentiality. McGrath’s appearance in the champions league will be a huge step up in class from Sunday to Wednesday, where he takes charge of the Achill Rovers v Castlebar Celtic B game in the Welcome Inn Hotel Premier Division, the third tier of Mayo football.
Kenny remains on as Oscar Traynor manager
Ballina Town manager Brendan Kenny will remain on as the manager of the Mayo league side for the Oscar Traynor trophy for the second successive season. Kenny, who looks on course to guide his Ballina Town side to their second successive Super League title at the end of the month, has David Nash and Leo Tierney as his backroom team for the campaign. If clubs would like to have their players considered for the squad, they should get in touch with Kenny on 087 2033099.
Masters league getting ready to get back up and running
Following on from the success of last year’s Masters league held in Milebush Park, the competition is down to get back up and running in early October. An information evening will be held in the coming weeks for clubs wishing to take part in the competition, all players who wish to take part in the competition will have to be registered with the Mayo league.
