Massive leap for stephen

One giant step for Corofin and one massive leap for Stephen Rochford. The man with the Midas touch has brought the Galway men a step closer to an All-Ireland title with a stunning win over Dulblin, Leinster and All-Ireland champions, St. Vincent’s, at the weekend.

We will hardly need reminding here that Crossmolina man Rochie was overlooked for the Mayo Under 21 post and it would seem Mayo’s loss is surely Galway’s gain.

In another twist of irony, the man who is in charge of Corofin’s opposition in the All-Ieland final, Derry and Ulster champions Slaughtneil, is none other than Mickey Moran, another successful manager who was rejected by Mayo, and that was after leading them to an All-Ireland final.

Rochie is, without doubt, the brains behind the operation in Corofin and the thought of taking on Galway in Pearse Stadium in the championship this summer could yet turn into a nightmare for Mayo.

Even if Mayo do survive Galway, and that is a big if, the Rossies have been building up a head of steam in division two of the league and will be gunning for Mayo this year.

It will surely be an interesting summer and the backdoor could be beckoning for Mayo. But these are early days yet.

Of course, behind every good man there is an even better woman, and I have alluded to this lady in the past as being the real brains in the Rochford household, Laura Gill, one of Ballinrobe’s finest and star of stage and screen. All we can do is wish our neighbours the best of luck in the final but come summer it will be all bets off as Mayo and Galway go head to head.