Mayo begin serious preparations for challenges ahead as Boyle and O'Connor return

By Aiden Henry

WITH just two weeks until Mayo face arch-rivals Galway in round six of the Allianz National League where a victory for James Horan’s side is almost a must if they hope to hold onto their Division 1 League status for 2021, they got a timely boost with a fine victory over Donegal in a challenge game which was played in Markievicz Park, Sligo, yesterday.

Winning on a scoreline of 1-19 to 2-11, Mayo, trailing by a goal at half time, upped their game in the second half whe they outscored their opponents by 0-11 to 0-3 and finished up the five points winners.

In the opening half Donegal had the better of the exchanges and led at the break by 2-8 to 1-8, with Mayo’s goal coming from Lee Keegan.

It was a different story in the second half as Mayo took command and made the most of their scoring chances. One player to the fore in this second half for Mayo was substitute James Durcan who kicked four great points.

It was also a second half which saw both sides miss from the penalty spot as both Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor failing to find the back of the net.

The Mayo team which started was interesting to say the least. It included Chris Barrett at full back and also listed Knockmore star Kevin McLoughlin at centre back.

Mattie Ruane and Tom Parsons started in midfield while up front there was a starting place for Westport duo, Mark Moran and Fionn McDonagh, along with Tommy Conroy.

It was also encouraging to see Cillian O’Connor and Colm Boyle back in the starting 15.

However, it would be unwise to read a lot into this victory for Mayo as they played a very much understrength Donegal team who were minus the Kilcar and Naomh Conaill club players who will be contesting the Donegal senior club final next Sunday: Ciaran Thompson, Eoghan McGettigan, Ryan McHugh, Eoin McHugh, Ethan O’Donnell and Patrick McBrearty.

Mayo: Robert Hennelly, Oisin Mullin, Chris Barrett, Lee Keegan, Colm Boyle, Kevin McLoughlin, Eoghan McLaughlin, Tom Parsons, Mattie Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor, Mark Moran, Fionn McDonagh, Cillian O’Connor, Aidan O’Shea, Tommy Conroy.      Subs used: James Durcan, Fergal Boland, Rory Brickenden.