Top GAA analyst Martin Carney's verdict on Mayo's Under 21 final prospects

ERADICATE inconsistencies and Mayo can reach the promised land.

That's the view of Ireland's foremost GAA analyst Martin Carney, The Connaught Telegraph's GAA columnist, against of tomorrow's Eirgrid All-Ireland Under-21 final against Cork at Ennis (6 p.m.).

He stated: On the evidence of their semi-final performances, both teams will approach the game in confident mood.
'Though neither side has been immune from travails they have found depths of character when most needed to earn a final appearance.

'Following facile victories over Clare and Waterford, Cork were pushed to the limit in fashioning wins over Kerry and Monaghan.

'Mirroring this there has been an element of a magical mystery tour about Mayo’s journey. Every game had a wobble. Leitrim were dispatched despite Mayo enduring a poor opening quarter.

'In describing the win over Roscommon as hard earned I am guilty of an understatement. But in applying this label it is equally important to balance matters by saluting the fathomless spirit displayed by Mayo on that occasion.
Bravery was again manifest in the manner by which the team snatched the initiative at the death against Dublin.

'Strong leadership, nerveless place kicking and clear thinking defined a closing spell where victory was seized from the jaws of defeat in a thriller.

'Ecstasy and any premature thoughts of an easy ride in the final were dampened pretty abruptly when we saw the standards that Cork displayed in their win over Monaghan. Their performance matched everything seen in the curtain raiser. These Leesiders will be formidable.

'The scores are level with meetings at this stage between the finalists. In 1994 Cork prevailed but 12 years later the result was reversed by a Mayo team that have since provided from their ranks the core of the present senior team.

'From the debris of that defeat seven Cork players graduated to anchor their Sam Maguire winning team in 2010. Further down the line it will be interesting to follow the career paths of Saturday’s participants.

'Regardless of the result, I’m sure Michael Solan will hope for a more consistent performance from his charges.

'Winning is the imperative certainly, but were the levels of inconsistency evident against Roscommon and Dublin to re-emerge Mayo’s hopes would flounder.

'The causes underpinning the barren first half spell in the provincial decider along with the confused third quarter performance against Dublin I am sure have been addressed.

'In Sligo there was an absence of intensity and on-field communication early in the game at a time that Roscommon were enjoying their purple patch. Too often their defenders strolled forward under little pressure and were given the space to create.

'Ciaran Compton, in the middle, directed traffic which was one way towards the Mayo goal mouth. Better sharpness from their forwards would have yielded a different result.

'A similar barren patch resurfaced in the third quarter against Dublin and nearly undid what had been a Trojan first half performance. If Cork are afforded similar generosity they have in attack players who have declared their prowess during this competition.

'All of their scores against Monaghan were from play. Then their inside line of Brian Coakley, senior player Peter Kelleher and, last day’s man of the match, Michael Hurley, individually and collectively carried a continuous threat.

'Coakley looks more a basketball player than a footballer but he provides an outlet for the long ball. Kelleher hangs close to him and together they are a formidable threat.

'Mayo’s Eoin O’Donoghue impressed the last day and Seamus Cunniffe has been a steadying influence. Mayo’s chances will grow proportionate to their ability to limit the influence of the Cork full- forward line.

'Michael Plunkett has effected the role of sweeper diligently and it’s vital he can reprise this effectively. Caution will be the byword for the half-back line early on as the Cork unit of O’Donoghue, Powter and Ryan Harkin are fast and menacing.

'Michael Hall and Shairoze Akram are hard wired to attack but an early emphasis on containment may, by necessity, swamp this inclination.
Hoping for a more consistent contribution from the midfield duo is not unreasonable. Both have excelled at different, and indeed at crucial, times throughout the championship.

'Memorable would describe Stephen Coen’s second-half display in Sligo while Matthew Ruane hit the high notes with spectacular plays against Dublin. If both can work in tandem for the hour it will take a huge Cork display to wrest the initiative from Mayo.

'Stephen Cronin played in last year’s Munster senior final against Kerry. As captain and centre-back for Cork he struggled in containing the threat of Barry McGinn in the semi-final.

'I think there is a case for moving Diarmuid O’Connor into the centre forward role, even for part of the game, where his energy and game intelligence could exploit a possible weakness in the Cork rearguard. His stamina is exceptional, as is his ability to anticipate danger.

'What he brings to the team is a reassurance that no matter how critical things are he will, by his example, set standards for others to follow. Fergal Boland, Brian Reape, Fionan Duffy and Conor Loftus have all answered the call on numerous occasions.

'In addition to his immaculate place kicking and calm temperament, Liam Irwin has this year been involved in numerous match defining moments. On Saturday his time has come to break new ground and elevate his status to a new level.

'As befits any final, it will take something special from either side to win. Cork are formidable and dangerous and their forward division plays with great dash and economy.

'Allowing them space to play will invite disaster whereas if Mayo can sow seeds of doubt from the start in their opponents they will have cleared a major hurdle. Throughout the season Mayo have made their own luck and prevailed by refusing to accept being second best.

'I believe the journey will have a joyful conclusion tomorrow.'