The last time that the Mayo hurlers made a trip across the water to take on London in competitive action they made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when they missed their flights back from the UK capital. And less than two months on, the gods that governed the draw for the second round of the Christy Ring Cup ensured that Mayo would have to make that trip all over again.
It is do or die for both teams on Saturday in Ruislip at high noon, and despite coming into the game on the back of a defeat to Down last Saturday, Mayo will actually go into the game in a confident mood ahead of the clash following what was a very good performance last weekend against a side who would be rated much higher up the food chain than themselves.
Mayo started very slowly against Down in McHale Park and found themselves trailing by six points early on, and they were very lucky that Down did not take a couple of goal chances that presented themselves. But in the second half Mayo hauled in the Mourne county men and went into the lead. Brian Hunt drove the sliothar over the bar from half-way with 15 minutes left, but the class of the Ulster men shone through in the end and they were able to push themselves back in front by two points at the full time whistle.
On Saturday, Mayo will be looking to the usual suspects once again to lead their charge against the exiles. Kenny Feeney was in top form last weekend scoring 10 points, nine from placed balls, while captain Keith Higgins scored two points, one of them fit to grace any hurling field in the country, such was the beauty of it. Cathal Freeman, Adrian Connolly, and Derek McConn along with Brian Hunt will be key men if Mayo are to come back home with a result and a prolonged interest in the Christy Ring Cup for 2012.
Doors thrown open to supporters this evening
An open evening for all Mayo supporters will be held in McHale Park this evening Friday May 11. The event will get started at 6.30pm in this jam packed exciting evening for supporters where supporters can meet managers and players as well as other exciting activities. You will be able to meet the minor and senior footballers, get autographs, test your skills, and get put through your paces by the Mayo GAA coaches and check out the latest line of Mayo GAA merchandise from Elverys. You can also get a guided tour around the new facilities in McHale Park and the evening will wrap up with an open training session on the pitch in McHale Park from 8pm to 9pm.
