Five standout performers named as Mayo Football League enters key phase

by Caoimhín Rowland

The Mayo Football League is over halfway through the calendar and with the quality of teams, players and level of competition consistently increasing it’s time to take a look at some of the players that have impressed over the last few months since February.

Connor McCarthy

The Glenhest Rovers striker has been undoubtedly the Mayo League signing of the season.

McCarthy arrived in Beltra with remarkable pedigree, playing at high levels in his native England.

The prolific striker played and scored in the English National Conference League for FC United of Manchester, the fan-owned breakaway club from the esteemed Old Trafford contingent.

McCarthy also lined out for Southport, Telford United and most recently, Widnes. Injuries hampered much of his career but the lake-side breeze in Glenhest playing in the Premier Division has surely buoyed his confidence.

So far this season McCarthy has bagged 24 goals in 14 games for the ‘Hest alongside 10 goal assists.

It’s Roy of the Rovers stuff to have a player of such calibre in the black and blue. Last weekend’s 10-1 win over Ballyheane B has all but guaranteed Glenhest Rovers’ promotion.

Will McCarthy stay loyal to his adopted home club for next year’s Super League season?

Jack Sharkey

The Crossmolina FC ‘keeper has been one of the busiest shot-stoppers in Mayo’s top-flight this season, but in matches he has been impressive.

Still only 19 years of age and an impressive athlete, Sharkey has the makings of a modern style goalkeeper.

Perhaps it’s the bravery of youth but on countless occasions he has thrown his body on the line and helped to keep the men in Maroon in contention in games they have been easily second best.

The stats don’t paint a pretty picture for Crossmolina, but a solid ‘keeper and returning talents like Oisin Deane give the Nephin men all the chance in the world of beating the drop.

A colossal win over Kiltimagh/Knock United helped to alleviate doomsday concerns, and if Aaron Coggins can repeat his viral acrobatics in future games, Mick Duffy will be heralded for keeping Crossmolina in the Super League.

Cathal Coyne

The returning Tennessee student has been lauded in this column before, and with good reason.

A technically adept centre-back whose long passes have added a plan B directness to Castlebar Celtic’s slick, short passing game, Coyne was a noticeable absentee against Claremorris due to suspension.

A makeshift Celtic backline without Coyne or O’Reilly appeared shaky under high balls and looked vulnerable to route one attacks, further proof of how reliant Celtic have become with the Coyne at the heart of their defence.

His commitment to his hometown club shone through during the Connaught Cup final and he spoke about being delighted to have clinched that cup in particular for the Hoops.

Stevie Gavin will be keen to hold on to the impressive 25-year-old as he builds one of the best sides the Super League has undoubtedly ever seen.

Cian McHale

The Conn Rangers midfielder has been a revelation in the middle of the park for the Lakesiders.

An off-season transfer from relegated rivals Straide & Foxford United, it was a move that raised many eyebrows from those in the embattled east Mayo club.

But McHale, with his wand of a left boot, has been scintillating for Councillor Joe Faughnan’s Conn Rangers outfit.

McHale sits alongside Celtic’s Dylan Edwards as one of the best dead ball specialists in the Super League.

However, commitments with GAA for his local side Moy Davitts throughout the summer months may upend Conn’s form, they have already become reliant on McHale’s ability so shortly after signing him - a testament to his talent.

Mark Maloney

The 20-year-old Claremorris striker has impressed during a poor season for his side.

An agile forward who is capable of playing across the attacking front three, in 12 games he’s returned a commendable five goals.

Claremorris are rooted to the bottom of the Super League table but without Maloney they would have zero cause for future optimism.

The marksman has netted a third of their goals in the league this season and Maloney should be an integral part of future Mayo development squads.