Hungry for success with Mayo Under 21s

“TO play for the seniors and win an All-Ireland is the ultimate goal, but to win a county championship with the club this year would be a good one.” These are the words of Mayo Under 21 corner-back Edward Doran, writes Cory Kilbane.

The 20-year-old from Achill Island, a sports science student in Dublin City University, is one of Mayo’s hottest prospects and has been in blistering form for the Mayo Under 21s in recent weeks.

With the team reaching the Under 21 All-Ireland final after defeating Dublin in what was one of the most enthralling encounters seen at that level in recent times, it is right to say that Doran has been instrumental in the team’s success en route to the final.

Mayo will face Cork in a heavyweight clash this Saturday in Cusack Park in Ennis. Both teams have had remarkable seasons and the match promises to be a memorable one, with a few fireworks in store.

With the team containing members of the All-Ireland winning minor team of 2013, such as Stephen Coen, Liam Irwin, Diarmuid O’Connor and Michael Hall, they have every right to be confident of success on Saturday next.

“I guess the feeling of winning an All-Ireland previously might have an influence on our determination and desire to win another and it is also good experience for the players, but regardless of us winning the minor All-Ireland we would still be determined to win the Under 21s,” said Doran.

“It would mean so much. We’ve worked very hard to get here, and it would be great to get over the line on Saturday.”

When questioned on the feeling of winning that minor All-Ireland in 2013, he said: “It was a great feeling to win it, something I’ll never forget. Winning in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day was a dream come true to be honest. The crowd of Mayo supporters celebrating with the stadium nearly full - unbelievable.”

After an injury-stricken campaign last year, Doran has returned to the panel this year and has been on fire so far this season. Having previously undergone surgery for a persisting groin injury, the young man has shown great character and desire for the game by tirelessly working his way back into the panel and becoming an influential member in the squad.

Working under new management this season, Doran’s performances have been fantastic and he has flourished under them so far.

“The management have been top class so far, I must say. We have everything we could ask for really, from a top notch medical team, strength and conditioning and all that, they have left no stone unturned to be fair to them,” he said.

With a growing reputation, Doran has one eye on the senior Mayo squad also. “To get the call to seniors would be massive. I suppose that’s something every player would look to achieve.”

Having to balance college and football is another difficulty for Edward. A second year student in DCU at present, he is studying sports science and is well and truly focused on his studies.

“I suppose the balance is hard to get. A lot of time is committed to football with training, matches, recovery sessions and gym sessions, but I suppose with a bit of organisation it’s not too hard to fit in,” he said.

With the added commitment of playing at inter-county level, Doran’s club opportunities have been limited this season, but with the Under 21 season coming to an end after next weekend, he is looking forward to getting back into action for Achill.

“I hope to get back in with the club once the Under 21s is over. I might have a week or two break as we’ve been on the go since early in the year.”

He aims to aid the club in its attempt to bring a county championship title home this season, something that they have fell short of over the last couple of years.

When asked of the key difference for him between club level and county, he said: “I suppose the commitment required to play county football is much higher.”

When it comes to club level for Edward, he is a very influential member of the squad and his inter-county experience is truly appreciated by his team-mates.

“His leadership on the field is phenomenal. You never feel under pressure when ‘Steady Eddie’ is around. He is a very versatile player and can play in so many different positions,” said club team-mate Jonathan Fadian.

“He’s not only all about good looks. He has the brains to read the game too. His ability to kick off both feet is second to none and is a great asset to any team.

“Personally I think he’s the type of team-mate you dream about playing with. I have no hesitations whatsoever in saying that he’ll put in a big performance on the day,” Fadian added.

There is no secret to success for Edward. He is all about hard work and determination. There are no pre-match routines or superstitions: “I just go with the flow to be honest.”

It is clear that Edward has brought such pride to the Doran family, in particular his brother Jonathan.

“He was always very talented and I did believe that he had a chance to play for Mayo and he has been fortunate to be part of a team that has achieved so much,” said Jonathan.

“As a family we are immensely proud of him. He has brought great excitement to us over the last number of years while playing football.”

In truth, Edward has a very exciting future ahead and Saturday evening will be one to remember for him.