Experience of the big day is crucial, according to Coen
AS a student in UCD, there is a strange atmosphere this week for Hollymount/Carramore player Stephen Coen as he heads into one of the biggest games of his career, writes John Brennan.
“It wasn't too bad. I don’t see the (Dublin) lads too often, as none of them are in my course. I suppose I play Sigerson with a few of them so it's good craic,” he said.
Experience of the biggest day of all is key to the recipe for success but Coen knows that there are some new faces in the Mayo camp this season that won’t have tasted the build-up and match-day experience.
“I suppose some guys haven’t had this experience before and some guys have loads of experience. I tell you one thing, no one is comfortable that they are going to start first of all. Everyone wants to get the most out of themselves.”
Respect
Speaking of experience, Andy Moran, who is one of the elder statesmen of the group, is a key member of the squad this week. The respect that Coen has for the Ballaghaderreen man is crystal clear.
“He’s a great fella,” said Coen. “If you ask anyone that question they will start smiling. Look, he’s got years and years of experience. He’s absolutely flying at the minute. I don’t think he has missed a session all year. His application and attitude is unbelievable and he’s a role model for any player.”
With the hectic schedule this season, recovery has been crucial. In that regard, strength and conditioning coaches Conor Finn and Barry Solan have played a vital role.
“They just control everything,” admitted Coen. “They contact all our managers and tell them this is happening and deal with it. Especially this season - we have had so many games and recovery has been very important.”
Spotlight
Two men who don’t always have their names in the spotlight yet work tremendously hard to get this side in peak condition are Donie Buckley and Armagh native Tony McEntee.
Coen knows how important they have become. “Donie and Tony are low-key fellas and don’t want to be in the lights. That’s up to themselves. They are great fellas and they are 100% committed to the cause.”
On several occasions the mileage question has been thrown at this Mayo team, but if anything they have improved with every game, with fatigue not an issue.
According to Coen, the hunger is still there and until they get over the line they will continue to strive for that elusive All-Ireland medal. “I don’t have to be here. None of the lads have to be here. We don’t have to play for Mayo if we don’t want to. Everyone wants to play for Mayo. It’s a great honour. There are so many people that would love to be in our shoes.”
The journey continues and 'on any given day our 14 match-ups will win every match-up and if we can focus on our own personal battle and win them we have a fair chance of winning the game', the All-Ireland minor and Under 21 winning captain concluded.