Strategic Action Plan launched, but plenty of work still to do
Mon, Feb 21, 2011
Within the concrete bowels of the new stand in McHale Park last Saturday night the possible future direction of GAA in Mayo was launched. There were no bells and whistles to the launch, just a top table, a semi-circle of chairs and a selection of people who have the best interests of GAA in Mayo at heart. Liam Horan was the man tasked with pulling all the possible strands of the plan together, the Ballinrobe club-man had overseen the whole process since his appointment as chairperson of the project last October. A steering committee of 19 people was selected and 10 different areas selected to be examined. In total 86 people contributed to 67 meetings that were held over the past five months to get to last Saturday night and the launch of the document. The areas that were examined were finance and funding, coaching and games development, bridging the gap, bringing through high-potential players, urbanisation and rural depopulation, club-board relations and structures, public relations, harnessing support of Mayo people worldwide, Mayo GAA as a stimulator of economic activity, and hurling and secondary schools.
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Horan makes the changes for Kerry showdown
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
James Horan waited until the action in the Sigerson Cup had concluded on Thursday afternoon before selecting his side for this Sunday’s clash with Kerry in McHale Park. Horan has made a number of changes from the side that lined out against Down in the opening round of the National League a fortnight ago. Into goal comes Breaffy’s Robert Hennelly for his first start in the Allianz League, the Breaffy man has been one of the most constant performers for both club and the underage county sides over the past few years. Tom Cunniffe holds onto his spot in the corner, with Ger Cafferkey moving back to full back after being previously placed at centre half back in the league opener. Belmullet Chris Barrett who didn’t make the match day 26 for the league opener gets the nod at number four. Peadar Gardiner and Trevor Howley come into the half back line with Kevin McLoughlin holding on to his spot along that line. The midfield pairing of Jason Gibbons and Ronan McGarrity will once again patrol the middle third. The Ballintubber and Ballina Stephenites combination looks like one that will be the preferred one for Horan in the long run. Aidan Campbell comes into the side in the half forward line with Andy Moran getting the number 11 shirt with Alan Dillon on the other flank. Aidan O’Shea moves into the corner from the last day out in the league, with Aidan Kilcoyne being rewarded for his good showing against NUIG getting the nod at full forward with Mark Ronaldson retaining his place in the corner. Mayo are of course without the injured duo of Alan Freeman and Enda Varley from the side which started against Down and a number of other players are still out injured since before the start of the season.
Mayo: R Hennelly; T Cunniffe, G Cafferkey, C Barrett; P Gardiner, T Howley, K McLoughlin; J Gibbons, R McGarrity; A Campbell, A Moran, A Dillon, A O’Shea, A Kilcoyne, M Ronaldson. Subs: K O’Malley, C Hallinan, J Burke, J Moran, T Parsons, C Freeman, N Douglas, J Doherty, A Feeney, D Killeen, C O’Connor.
Read more ...Connacht cup fourth round action for Mayo sides
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
It is another hectic weekend of action for a number of Mayo sides on the soccer fields this weekend. Thirteen Mayo teams will be in action across the province in Connacht Junior Cup and Junior Shield action either on Saturday or Sunday. The action gets underway on Saturday evening at 6pm, when Manulla make the trek to Shiven Rovers to take on the 2010 Roscommon and District League champions in what will be a very tough encounter for the Carramore men.
On Sunday Westport United will be looking to shake off their heartbreaking exit from the FAI Junior Cup last weekend in extra time when they host Galway League side Corrib Rangers in the Sportspark. League champions Ballina Town also have home advantage on Sunday when they take on Sligo side Strand Celtic for a place in the fifth round of the competition. Another of the heavy hitters of the Mayo League, Iorras Aontaithe will have to make the trip south to take on Galway side O.L.B.C . The final game in the junior cup is an all-Mayo meeting of local rivals Castlebar Celtic and Ballyheane. Celtic will start as favourites having managed to retain their Super League status for the new season unlike their near neighbours who are currently contemplating life in the Premier Division.
Read more ...John Walkin heads for the Odyssey
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
While many of his Mayo AC club mates prepare for the Westport 5k, John Walkin will be heading to the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. The AAI National Senior Indoor Track and Field Championships take place over Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Walkin, who specialises in sprinting, will be rubbing shoulders with many big names when he takes part in the 60 metres event. Over the years he has represented the club with distinction and led the Mayo AC relay team to national silver a number of years ago.
Read more ...Spring leagues shaping up across the county
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
Balla
In last weekend’s Stableford competition Martin Moylette with a score of 40pts was the winner of the men’s section. He finished three points clear of Seamus Cleary in second and Bob Leggett in third after both men finished with a score of 37pts. In the ladies’ event Mary Lavin hit a score of 39pts to finish four points clear of Geraldine O’Malley in second place, with Kitty O’Connor taking third. A committee meeting will take place on Sunday February 20 at 6pm, all committee members are asked to attend.
Mayo’s handballers make a good start in the championship
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
Mayo handballers fared very well in their opening Connacht 40 x 20 semi-final ties with Sligo opposition over the weekend. George Miller defeated Sligo's Martin Cooney in a thrilling three-game encounter at Castleconnor on a 12-21, 21-7, 21-16 scoreline in the silver masters B singles, while Paschal Tuohy of Mayo had a 21-13, 21-13 win over Michael Browne in the junior C singles at the same venue. Killala's Martin Cronin is also through to the diamond masters A final as he beat Seamus Duffy in two games at St Mary's on Saturday. The only Mayo loss of the weekend was in the ruby masters as John Kenny came out second best against Sligo veteran Paddy Walsh in two games. Mayo host Sligo next weekend in seven doubles semi-finals.
Read more ...Kingdom test next up for Horan’s Mayo
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
The Mayo senior footballers will welcome Kerry to McHale Park for their second game in the 2011 National Football League on Sunday. The visit of Jack O’Connor’s side will pose another difficult examination of James Horan’s early tenure in charge of the green and red. Last weekend Horan picked up his first piece of silverware in the Mayo bainisteoir’s bib when they saw off the challenge of John Maughan’s NUIG by 1-14 to 0-11. Horan would have surely preferred a sterner test from the students who failed to fire for long periods of the game as Mayo cruised to victory with ease.
Read more ...New sponsor for Border Rally Champions unveiled
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
With the Mayo Stages Rally only weeks away, preparations for the March 13 event are in full flow.
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