Breaffy have a structure tailor-made to frustrate Ballina in Mayo decider

by Martin Carney, Mayo foremost GAA columnist

If one was guided by history alone, the Ballina Stephenites versus Breaffy game can yield one result only – a Ballina win.

Crowned champions on a record 37 occasions, they face an opponent whose zero return from five final appearances might suggest a case of Breaffy lambs being led to the slaughter on Sunday.

Yet when they met in the opening group game of the championship, Ballina were happy to prevail by the minimum margin.

Breaffy responded well to that defeat and registered the required win quota to qualify for the knockout stages, while their opponents reach the final as the only unbeaten team in the championship.

Before hazarding a prediction as to the outcome, it’s worth looking at some of the players, strategies and trends that have got them this far.

A forward-conscious and attacking Ballina took all before them in the group stages.

Here they amassed a three goals and 53 points total while at the same time conceded a whopping three goals and 33 points.

After their opening day tight squeeze with Breaffy, they ran riot subsequently but on the basis of those earlier mentioned statistics looked less than secure at the back.

Learning from this and realising the need for a less accommodating defence, they adjusted and over the course of their quarterfinal and semi-final games, they conceded a meagre 11 points.

Belmullet and Knockmore, their opponents on the respective occasions, were far from slouches, yet Ballina repelled the best thrown at them.

It is apparent from these results that their gung-ho early season approach is now a thing of the past and has been replaced by a strategy where caution and massed defending is at the core.

David Clarke’s steadiness is a source of assurance. In front of him, Ger Cafferkey and Padraic O’Hora have that mix of calm and aggression to deal with whatever comes their way.

The displays of the ever-influential Sam Callinan belie his tender years, while the Irwin brothers, Dylan Thornton and many others knit themselves into the fabric of a defensive shield that has become increasingly difficult to penetrate.

To date, though, the displays of Evan Regan up front have given them the scoring returns necessary.

Leading in this year’s championship scoring list with one goal and 26 points, apart from anything his displays have had a settling effect on others around him.

At crucial periods in their tie with Knockmore, Regan provided those elements of poise and assurance at vital times by nailing six points.

Frank Irwin carries a threat but it is the team’s collective excellence in breaking with purpose from their defensive cocoon that has stood to them.

When all is said and done, though, much will come down to their success or otherwise in dealing with Aidan O’Shea.

Irrespective of where he has found himself during the course of games this autumn, O’Shea has managed to dictate the terms of engagement.

At his expressive and explosive best against Westport, he stretched every last sinew to steer his team home. An impressive reprise was again evident against Castlebar Mitchels.

How well Ballina can cope with and minimise his threat could go a long way to deciding the outcome.

Invariably double-teamed, he can expect the twin company of Ger Cafferkey and Padraig O’Hora when he plays up front.

Frank Irwin and Dylan Thornton have sustained a fertile midfield zone for Ballina this year and will, needless to say, battle for every ball when O’Shea comes outfield.

However, if they were to ignore the threats of Conor O’Shea and Mattie Ruane they would do so at their peril. Both have been models of consistency.

Couple to these a defence that is usually tight and where players don’t often get isolated, then Breaffy have a structure tailor-made to frustrate Ballina.

Economical in attack – two wides are all I recall against Castlebar Mitchels – their fusion of hard work, as epitomised by Tommy Reilly, Rory Martin and Darragh Irwin, and accuracy can keep the Ballina defence busy.

Ultimately this will be decided by fine margins – possibly by who from Evan Regan or Aidan O’Shea can most influence matters.

Breaffy have been knocking on the door for most of the last decade; one gets a sense that it’s a case of now or never for them.

Ballina have never been one to offer soft accommodation. Last year’s defeat added to the 16-year gap since their last success has sharpened appetite.

In the end they might just have the greater depth to make the difference.