A new chapter for Mayo GAA as 2022 inter-county season gets underway

by Martin Carney

THANKFULLY, the doom and gloom that enveloped the county after last year’s defeat to Tyrone has long subsided and a new season begins with Donegal providing the opposition in what should be a feisty affair in Sligo.

Management teams all over the country are in the same boat. With little time to work with their squads, preparation has been rushed and intense.

Competing in their provincial pre-season competitions, making the most of whatever challenge games they can arrange and relying on in- house encounters are what generally allow them to see what they have available.

Supporters are understandably speculating what they can expect from the season ahead.

They will rightly ask if there is something new in the offing? Will the team find that little extra which can make the difference between being champions and also-rans?

Are there new faces out there who can add that extra vitality and greater purpose in their push for glory? How will the team cope with the recent retirements and the loss of leadership that goes with this?

Are there tactical adjustments possible that might suit the players available and give the team a harder edge?

James Horan, now beginning his eighth season as manager, will have ruminated on all of these questions, and more, during the off-season. #

Having overseen some of the finest Mayo displays in living memory, no one will have felt more acutely the pain of having come up just short in their quest for Sam.

His organisational ability and capacity for getting big displays from his charges is unquestionable and the willingness of the squad to follow his direction is there for all to see.

Perhaps his reluctance in introducing some of the experienced players available from the bench in the more recent All-Irelands left him open to criticism but overall, during his period in charge he elicited huge displays from his players, created an excellent culture within the camp and gave Mayo followers reason for hope.

Different

What will 2022 now offer that will be different to what has gone before? Horan is aware that many of the faces that carried the hopes in years gone by are now retired.

No longer will Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle answer the call so the search for new faces continues apace.

One massive positive is the news that Oisin Mullin has decided to remain at home and make himself available for the season ahead.

His presence this year will be a huge boost to a squad who, whether we like it or not, are still in the throes of a major reshaping.

With Mullin declaring his availability, Mayo have a player with the skillset, personality and leadership qualities to anchor a defence that needs to establish its credentials immediately.

Twice Young Player of the Year, he has what it takes to raise his performances to another level when most needed and inspire those around him.

In fairness, defence is that sector of the team where James Horan is most spoiled for choice. With Stephen Coen, Patrick Durcan, Eoghan McLaughlin, Michael Plunkett, Lee Keegan, Padraig O’Hora and Enda Hession from the experienced core all in the frame for selection and newbies like Donnacha McHugh, Paddy Heneghan and Rory Brickenden knocking at the door, Mayo shouldn’t lack in this area.

Possessing a good blend of aggression, defensive skills and counterattacking threats, there is much to build on here.

Word has it that Brendan Harrison is back in the frame too. With much to offer fit, his return would be welcome.

What must be a concern for management is the absence, as far as I can see, of any serious threat to Robbie Hennelly between the sticks. For a decade or more Mayo were well served by the Clarke/Hennelly rivalry for the goalkeeping position.

Rory Byrne and Jack Livingstone have provided recent backup but neither has seriously threatened Hennelly’s position as number one. Knockmore’s Colm Reape impressed during their club run and I’d expect he is attracting attention.

Predicting

Moving up front, there is less certainty in predicting the shape of the team and the personnel who will occupy positions.

Will the Ruane/Aidan O’Shea axis carry the midfield load this year, for example?

O’Shea’s future as an inside forward has to be called into question and if selected, I hope he mans a position between the half-back line and midfield, where his sheer presence is formidable. That would allow Ruane to get forward and support an attack that at times last year was stretched.

The return of Cillian O’ Connor, provided he recovers completely from his Achilles tendon injury, would give everyone a boost.

Leading championship scorer of all time, his guile, accuracy, competitive spirit and calmness under pressure would improve matters. In drawing the best from Ryan O’ Donoghue and Tommy Conroy, this partnership would make Mayo a more formidable unit.

Rumours of Jason Doherty’s return to fitness abound and Fergal Boland is worth another look. The Knockmore trio of Kevin McLoughlin, Aidan Orme and newbie Connell Dempsey will add to the choice.

A number of panelists – James Carr, Darren Coen, Brian Walsh, Fionn McDonagh, Conor Loftus, Jordan Flynn and Conor O’Shea – have struggled to become regulars.

All are forwards-cum-midfielders and if Mayo are to remain a force in the game, they, along with others, have to take their standards to another level.

Some were very successful underage players, have plenty of ability but must make the most of every opportunity when selected. Patience isn’t an everlasting virtue with managements!

What Diarmuid O’Connor and Kevin McLoughlin have brought to Mayo football is inestimable.

Half-forwards nominally, manning positions that for effort alone is immense, both will need to be carefully managed this year. Operating from the cockpit, there were signs that the endless toil was having an effect on their performances.

When you add the demands of successful club campaigns to their county ledger, the strain on their bodies is obvious. A change of scenery might give both a renewed appetite for the game.

Starting the season with a win is possible but seeing the team playing on the same wavelength, in tune with each other and displaying their trademark spirit would give everyone a lift.