The Mayo Minor Hurlers start the defence of their All Ireland Minor C title against Sligo at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan tomorrow Saturday, July 11, at 3.30pm. Mayo are in contention for three in a row at this grade having defeated Ulster champions Monaghan in 2013 and 2014 to win the title.
Mayo manager Brian Finn from Tooreen is especially keen to win the competition again this year as the winners will receive the inaugural Adrian Freeman Cup for the first time. Adrian Freeman died tragically in Australia in 2010 at the age of 24. He was one of Mayo and Tooreen's finest young hurlers, having represented his club, county, and province with distinction. He also represented Ireland in an u21 Hurling/Shinty International and was named a Christy Ring All Star in his short but hugely decorated career. The new All-Ireland Minor C Hurling Trophy will be now named in his memory. Finn and selectors John Regan (Ballina Stephenites ) and Nick Freyne (Tooreen ) have worked very hard with a panel of 30 players from Ballyhaunis, Ballina, Ballyvary, Castlebar, Tooreen, and Westport since March and are optimistic about their chances on Saturday.The winner of Saturday’s game take on Longford on Saturday July 18 in Bekan, with the winners of that match through to the All Ireland Minor C final on September 5.
