Return of Dublin based players to midweek training key to success - Moran
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
In his time as a Mayo player Andy Moran has been involved in some incredible highs, such as the 2006 All Ireland semi-final where he came off the bench and scored the goal that turned that game back in Mayo's favour and lows, like the that day in June in Pearse Park, Longford two years ago. Through it all he's always been looking forward to the next challenge, not looking back. A couple of minutes after coming off the field on Saturday night, he was asked was it nights like this he played football for and he responded saying, “I play for just for playing all the time, nights like tonight is great, but it was great going back on to the training pitch on Tuesday trying to fix what went wrong last week and I think in the second half we did that there tonight.” While he enjoyed the win, there's not many other players about who would say that they equally enjoyed getting back on the training field as much as beating the All Ireland champions in front of 10,000 of your own fans.
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The master plan doesn’t change just because of a few defeats – Horan
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
After three defeats on the trot in as many weeks and Dublin and Kerry next up over the forthcoming two weekends, it could be easy for people to think that it's panic stations in the Mayo camp. But after Sunday's latest defeat, Mayo Manager James Horan wasn't for hitting the panic button, just yet. “Ah no, a lot of the stuff we are doing it right and we just have to keep working at it. The master plan doesn’t change just because of a few defeats – if you start to change it then panic sets in. We know what we’re trying to do, it’s a bumpy road but we’ll keep at it.”
However when pressed on whether he felt his side had let two points slip through their fingers, he recognised that this was a chance lost by his side to make sure they are playing division one football next season. “We gave away a couple of hand-passes near the end and that’s what killed us – simple skills execution at key teams. When we needed to hold onto the ball we panicked a little bit. That costs you, which it probably should at this level. We’ll just have to get at it next week.” The failure to close out the game from an advantageous position will worry many and Horan acknowledged that fact “Yeah, and we didn’t. There were a couple of things we didn’t do like we should have – we should have kicked on a little bit more, we gave the ball away at key times in absolutely crazy situations. That cost us ultimately.”
Read more ...Moran positive about improvement from Donegal
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
Three defeats in a row can be hard to take for a player. But Andy Moran has always been one of the most positive characters in the game on and off the field. It wasn't any different on Sunday after seeing a five point lead turned into a one point defeat at the final whistle, but it was heartbreaking he admitted amongst the positives he saw in the game. “Seven days is a long time in football and we can take a lot of positives out of it. If we can improve like that in seven days again, we'll have come a long way. But it's heartbreaking to be honest, it's a big defeat and hopefully we'll respond in the right way.”
Read more ...Serious questions for Mayo to answer on Sunday
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
While the league is second fiddle in how a season is judged as the championship is still the be all and end all, last Sunday’s Mayo performance in Ballyshannon is something that will have every Mayo supporter worrying about how long Mayo’s summer involvement in the championship will last.
Read more ...Roscommon have the edge for third year in a row
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
Roscommon 1-11
Mayo 0-10
Champion Mayo athlete opens sports psychology clinic
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
A new sports psychology clinic for elite performance is now open in Mayo.
The initiative, by Westport-based champion runner and international athlete, Robert Malseed, will focus on two main areas - improving personal performance and recovering from illness.
Read more ...First official competitions of the season tee off around the county
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
Balla
Padraig Martin was the winner of last weekend’s competition sponsored by Lawnmower and Tool Hire, Castlebar. He finished on 39pts, with Billy Gallagher coming home in second and Liam Ralph in third. The ladies’ competition was won by Louise McMahon on 41pts. Geraldine Kilgallon was second with Kitty O’Connor third. Breda Cleary was the ladies’ category prize winner. Next weekend’s competition is the first golfer of the year qualifier event. The Wednesday roll up will continue up to and including March 28 at 11am. The evening scrambles will commence on April 4 at 5pm and continue on each Wednesday evening throughout the summer.
Duathlon fever hits Castlebar tomorrow
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
Tomorrow, Saturday March 24, will see some 300 participants take part in the third annual Harlequin Adventure Duathlon. This is a mix of running and cycling over a hilly course. There is a slight change in the course this year with no off road section, reducing the course to 34.5km instead of the 38km of last year. For those who are taking part a standard racer will do perfectly for the bike sections and your normal runners will do for all of the running sections.
Read more ...Newport Town look to build for future
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
Newport Town FC have moved from strength to strength following their first season back in the Mayo League after a 10 year absence. Last year their hard work fell just short of a promotional spot, a massive feat for such a small club. Eyes are firmly set on the upcoming season with new goals and challenges ahead. As new horizons approach Pat Sweeney has become player manager of the club, balancing leadership both on and off the field. The club is also on the lookout for a full time assistant manager who can work hand in hand with Sweeney to inspire the players to reach their full potential. Interest to join the club is also increasing, both locally and further afield, with the club sending out an open invitation to anyone who may be interested in training with and joining the club. Training takes place at 8pm on the Castlebar Celtic astro pitch every Thursday. All players are welcome.
Read more ...Connacht back in action against southern neighbours
Fri, Mar 23, 2012
Connacht Rugby return to action on Saturday evening for the much-anticipated visit of Munster to the Galway Sportsground (7.45pm). Fresh from a three-week break for the Six Nations, both sides will be looking for a win - Munster to consolidate their top four position and Connacht to grab a rare victory over their illustrious provincial rivals in a bid to improve their league standing.
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