Mayo on the cusp of Oscar Traynor Cup greatness

by Caoimhín Rowland

The Mayo League are one game away from All-Ireland glory as they line out today for the first time in 44 years in the Oscar Traynor Cup final against a Waterford selection at Umbro Milebush Park, Castlebar (k.o. 1 p.m.).

Joe Kelly’s side emerged as Connaught champions and defeated Kerry opposition in the quarterfinals in a thrilling encounter. Mayo had to beat near rivals Sligo/Letirim twice this season to advance to the final.

In a similar trend, Waterford had to beat their neighbours Wexford to advance in the cup competition famed for providing fans and scouts with the opportunity to see the best Irish junior football has to offer.

Much will be made of players of the past who tasted Oscar Traynor glory but Joe Kelly’s green and red outfit will be keen to be the ones sketched into the silverware for 2024’s edition of the tournament.

Overcoming Sligo/Leitrim in Athlone was an expected but necessary boost to Mayo, a side that has grown in confidence after every round of action. Mayo League threw up a surprise to defeat Kerry in the quarterfinals and are yet to rest on their laurels.

The strength in depth is quite something; even when injuries come into play for the likes of Jordan Loftus or Dylan McKee, there is an embarrassment of riches available to Joe Kelly to call upon to bolster a dynamic squad.

In the semi-finals, Mayo peppered the Sligo/Leitrim side with shots on that occasion and dominated possession. Mayo are a fit side with options off the bench that helped to seal the semi-final win.

Raf Cretaro, Jamie Cawley and Cillian White were all called upon, and with Jordan Loftus returning from injury, the Mayo men eked out an impressive win after going a goal behind early on in the semi-final.

It is a side sometimes susceptible at the back, the loss of Cillian Redmond to injury was deemed a blow but a last minute call-up for The Connaught Telegraph Young Sports Star of the Year, Mark Cunningham, proved the talent in this county.

The Castlebar Celtic defender slotted in and looked like he’d been involved in the entire campaign. Cunningham added much needed energy, bite and youthfulness to an experienced Mayo League backline consisting of stalwarts Ioseph O’Reilly, Westport United’s Cillian McGlade and wonder goal scoring full-back Andrew Shalley.

Oran Groarke is another Celtic mainstay who is really enjoying his football at the moment. Groarke plays an integral role in a deep lying defensive midfield area, where he can orchestrate the middle trio and provide defensive cover for marauding full-backs.

Stevie Gavin stated in pre-season that Jordan Loftus will be unavailable for much of the start of the season, but reports circulating that the former Sligo Rovers attacker may be fit for Mayo League’s clash against Sligo/Leitrim on Sunday. Even for 30 minutes, he would add greatly to an impressive Mayo League attack that has relied heavily on goals from Ben Edeh during the campaign.

The talented Ballyheane FC attacker will attract a lot of focus against Mayo’s northern neighbours at the weekend.

After overcoming the odds in getting this far into the Oscar Traynor Cup, Mayo League will be confident of clinching silverware. Complacency will not be a factor but the might of a more experienced, cohesive and talented Waterford selection will be prove to be their toughest test yet.

Waterford is an esteemed footballing county. Their league is one of the strongest in Ireland, with Villa FC regularly competing in the latter stages of the FAI Junior Cup. Striker Regix Madika will be the man to watch, as his goals throughout the campaign have been integral in advancing their cause to the final.

A former Cobh Ramblers and Waterford FC striker, he will require extra attention from the Mayo League backline.

But on the flip side, many in Waterford will be pouring over footage of Ben Edeh who has been the tournaments stand-out performer. The Ballyheane FC striker is in scintillating form and has used this competition to prove why he is the most lauded front man in the Mayo League.

Mayo League squad

Goalkeepers: Stefan Hester (Castlebar Celtic), Gary Cunningham (Westport Utd), James Robinson (Castlebar Celtic)

Defenders: Andrew Shally (Ballina Town), Harrison Quinn (Westport Utd), Cillian McGlade (Westport Utd), Ioseph O’Reilly (Castlebar Celtic), Mark Cunningham (Castlebar Celtic), Cillian White (Westport Utd), Dan Duffy (Kiltimagh/Knock Utd).

Midfielders: Darren Browne (Westport Utd), Oran Groarke (Castlebar Celtic), Jamie Cawley (Ballina Town), Cormac Caulfield (Kiltimagh/Knock Utd), Raf Cretaro (Ballina Town), Dylan McKee (Ballina Town), Jason Hunt (Castlebar Celtic), Kevin Kitterick (Westport Utd).

Forwards: Jack O’Connor (Kiltimagh/Knock Utd), Nathan Reilly Doyle (Ballyheane), Ben Edeh (Ballyheane), Jordan Loftus (Castlebar Celtic)