Big choices for Horan to make ahead of Sunday

Mayo head into Sunday's Connacht final looking to win four Connacht titles in a row for the first time since 1951.

James Horan's side got over a tricky encounter against Roscommon in their semi-final in Hyde Park, but Horan had to think on his feet on the sideline, introducing the experienced duo of Andy Moran and Alan Dillon in the second half to steady what looked to be a creaking ship.

Horan has a number of big decisions to make ahead of Sunday, with Jason Gibbons returning from injury a few weeks ago. The Ballintubber man will be putting his hand up for a starting place in the middle of the park. If Horan goes with his clubmate, it could allow Aidan O'Shea to be released into the half-forward line while Gibbons partners O'Shea's older brother Seamus in the key midfield sector.

The Mayo half-forward line which started against Galway featured two of the next generation of Mayo players looking to make their break into the team, Breaffy's Conor O'Shea and Ballintubber's Diarmuid O'Connor. With both Moran and Dillon back in contention after their cameo roles the last day out, both youngsters could fall back to the bench if Horan opts for a more experienced line.

At the back Tom Cunniffe looks like he will be in a race for fitness to make the game and if the Castlebar man doesn't make it back, Belmullet's Chris Barrett will in contention for his place. Barrett last lined out for Mayo in last year’s All Ireland final and has missed most of the year through injury. The injury to Cunniffe could halt any plans Horan may have of returning Keith Higgins to the forward line with the two times All Star having to stay back in the corner and mind the defence. Horan is expected to name his team this evening.

 

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