Countdown begins to Mayo's All-Ireland GAA title bid

MAYO County Board chairman Mike Connelly is calling for a big support for the county Under 20 team when they take on Kildare in the All-Ireland final in Croke Park next Sunday (1.15 p.m.)

As this is the inaugural year for the Under 20 championship, Connelly, speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, said it was a remarkable achievement by this young Mayo team to reach the final and he is hoping that the green and red army of supporters will travel to the capital and support this fine team in Croke Park.

“Reaching the All-Ireland final in the first year of the Under 20 championship is just a magnificent achievement by this Mayo team,” he stated.

“At the start of the Connaught championship they weren’t at the top of the betting to win it. But they just blew both Leitrim and Roscommon away before claiming the title. Indeed, I think they made everyone sit up and think what a very good side manager Michael Solan and his team had built up for this championship.

“After Roscommon beat a very fancied Galway side in Tuam, many felt Mayo had a massive task on their hands going to Dr. Hyde Park for the final, especially as it was to be played before the senior Connaught final where the Rossies would have support. However, this Mayo team really came of age in this game as they produced a truly wonderful display before winning by 18 points.

“Again in the All-Ireland semi-final against Derry in Carrick-on-Shannon they went into the game as the underdogs. But while they were asked serious questions by the Oakleafers, they battled very hard throughout and ended up the deserving winners.

“This was the lift the county needed after bowing out of the senior championship after losing to Kildare in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

“Now Mayo are back in Croke Park for an All-Ireland final and deserve every bit of support they can get. It will be a massive occasion in what promises to be a cracking decider against the Lilywhites.

“I am asking everyone who possibly can to turn up in Croke Park next Sunday to help drive this team on. They have produced some great performances and have done us proud. Now they are just 60 minutes away from winning this first All-Ireland title in this grade.”

Finally, the chairman said it would be sweet revenge if Mayo could come on on top against Kildare.

“Winning Sunday’s final would be sweet revenge for Mayo against Kildare after they knocked us out of the senior championship. While we know the Lilywhites are a very good side, there is no reason why this Mayo side can’t topple them.”

Meanwhile, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has this evening wished the Mayo under 20s team well ahead of their All Ireland Final against Kildare in Croke Park on Sunday.

Minister Ring said: “I would like to wish the Mayo under 20s the very best on Sunday. These young men have given us a reason to keep our Mayo flags flying and the chance of winning a major trophy.

“Michael Solan and his backroom team have put together an extremely impressive side. Mayo have been very impressive in getting to the final in which they face a strong Kildare team. I hope that the character and determination they have shown up to now will stand them in good stead on Sunday.

“The exploits of these young men have had a really positive impact, especially on younger sports fans in the county. They are great role models for young boys and girls and I wish them the very best on Sunday.”