The Mayo u21 hurlers head east on Saturday as they enter unchartered waters in the All-Ireland u21B Championship with an away assignment against the Royals in Trim. Mayo have had a progressive season at U21 level this summer, having beaten both Sligo and Roscommon to claim the Connacht GAA u21B title and pick up the Hogan Couriers Cup in the process. The confidence gained from winning their first Connacht u21 title since 2006 was a major bonus to Mayo, as they then overcame Donegal in the All-Ireland quarter final in Letterkenny a fortnight ago. The Westerners came out on top by 1-14 to 1-6 in a physical encounter - the Mayo goal coming from Corey Scahill (Castlebar ).
Meath, on the other hand, advanced to this semi final with a 2-15 to 1-17 win over Kerry at home in Trim, and a second home game in succession will be a major boost to the Royals. The odds are stacked very much against Mayo, who head off on a long journey for the second game in succession. The Mayo side will be backboned by a number of senior panellists and many players who have claimed All-Ireland Minor C titles in the previous two years. Manager Brian Finn will have a relative clean bill of health to draw from - although some minor injuries are reported in the camp. James Lyons (Ballyhaunis ) is definitely out with a broken thumb.
In the other semi-final, Roscommon play Wicklow in Athleague. The winners of both games then advance to the All-Ireland u21B final which will be played in Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday, September 12 and will be televised live on TG4.
