Debutants on the ball
New Mayo senior team managers Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes might have overseen only their second competitive game in charge but already they seem to have a major problem on their hands, writes Aiden Henry.
With the first round of the national league against Kerry in Killarney coming up in less than three weeks’ time, the problem is one that every management team would like to have at this time of year - having to tell nearly 10 good players they will not be part of their NFL squad.
We have seen over the past two weeks in the Under 21 Hastings Cup and FBD League that there is a wealth of talent in the county, with many players laying down markers to be included in the senior squad.
It is something Noel Connelly alluded to after the game against Sligo IT when speaking to the press on Sunday.
He commented: “There are a lot of young and new players making a big impact and making strong claims to be included in the national league squad.
“These players have been on a fitness, strength and conditioning programme since the beginning of last October and are now getting a chance to impress on the playing field. They are all pulling out all the stops to impress.
“As a result, we have close on 50 players and having to cut this down to around 40 for the national league is going to be a very difficult job for us. But it is a problem we are delighted to have.”
The Mayo management made 13 changes to their starting 15 for Sunday’s game against Sligo IT from the side which started against NUIG the previous week.
David Clarke was back between the sticks and showed he is back to his best form. His duel with Robert Hennelly for the number one spot will be very interesting.
The placing of Donal Vaughan at full-back was also very interesting. The Ballinrobe clubman certainly showed he was very comfortable in this position. He was always ahead of his opponent to the ball and commanded the full-back line brilliantly.
There was the new half-back line of Michael Hall, Keith Rogers and Patrick Durcan. All three performed very well and will be very much in the mix when the league squad is being picked.
In the middle, Alex Corduff was again given the chance to impress. He showed a lot of improvement from the previous week and looks a good prospect. He was partnered by Barry Moran, who put in a fairly good shift.
In the half-forward line, Kevin McLoughlin was joined by Morgan Lyons at No. 11 and Breaffy’s Peter Dravins. McLoughlin made a fine return and showed his appetite for the game is as strong as ever. Ballyhaunis’ Lyons made a telling debut at centre-forward. He was lively throughout and could have easily scored two goals. He will certainly get further chances to impress. Dravins also worked very hard throughout and, like Lyons, can expect to get more game time.
Alan Freeman was back at full-forward and certainly produced the goods. He showed for the ball a lot and along with getting some great scores, he set up many more. Not being taken off will have done his confidence a lot of good.
Evan Regan was given another chance in the corner and showed he has the class and skill to develop into a very good player. However, he just seems to be lacking a little in confidence, despite displaying improved form. In the other corner, Mikey Sweeney has had better days.
All in all it was a good performance by a relatively inexperienced Mayo side. It is only when these players come up against stronger county teams that we will know how good they are.