Improving Mayo building case for All-Ireland glory

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

My first permanent teaching post was at St Gerald’s College, Castlebar, 20 years ago this September. And having taught in the county for eight years, I appreciate the ravenous and deep rooted desire that exists there for a senior All-Ireland success. The school principal at the time was big Brother Thomas Durnin from the De La Salle Order, and he asked me to bring the Sam Maguire Cup down in 1998. The reaction of the older members of staff was revealing. They would take the canister. Look at it, and then hand it over quickly, with a certain amount of disdain, muttering something like; “I don’t want it. Or want to touch it, unless we have won it ourselves.” 

Now, having reached their fifth consecutive semi-final after last weekend's easy win over Donegal and with a new management team in place, the belief that this can be their year is gathering momentum. And with Aidan O’Shea currently unstoppable at full-forward and Lee Keegan and Keith Higgins in flying form, some of that belief is warranted.What was very impressive in their victory over Donegal was the performance of midfield duo Tom Parsons and Seamus O’Shea, who both won massive amounts of ball and showed a terrific work-rate.Their possession count of 29 and 28 was only bettered by Lee Keegan with 30. Barry Moran also added an aerial threat and produced one massive fetch at midfield. His sweeper role worked very well and credit goes to Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly for going with that system. They have spoken about horses for courses and it is the way to go. Seamus O’Shea is continually improving. His kick passing and use of possession was top drawer, and it was good to see the Breaffy man constantly looking up in possession to try to pick out the best attacking option in the full-forward line.The work-rate of all the Mayo forward line is first-rate and McLoughlin, Doherty and the O’Connors (Cillian and Diarmuid) will not be found wanting in chasing, tackling, and harrying the Dublin rearguard in two weeks' time.

Mayo controlled the contest says Keegan

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

Fresh from putting in a man of the match performance, the first thing asked of Lee Keegan in the concrete catacombs under Croke Park as he waited to board the bus following Mayo's win over Donegal last Saturday night was, had he meant to go for goal when he scored Mayo's second and vital third pointer just after the break. "Absolutley, there's no debate and I'll take it to my grave if I have to," smiled the Westport powerhouse.

Higgins satisfied but bigger challenges lie ahead

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

Not long after captaining Mayo to their fifth All Ireland semi-final in as many years, Keith Higgins reflected on what had just happened out on the field of action in Croke Park. The swashbuckling Mayo number four had scored one point and been part of a new look Mayo defensive set up that nullified Donegal's main attacking threats over the 70 minutes on the field. "Satisfying is one word, I would suppose. I don't know how you would describe it to be honest" was his initial reaction when asked to describe what had just happened.

Tight margins at the top of the Super League

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

Charlestown Athletic v Ballina Town
Saturday August 15 at 6.30pm

Saturday August 15 at 6.30pm

Claremorris come good against the big boys

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

After knocking out Ballyheane a couple of weeks ago many observers felt that Claremorris would not have enough in the tank to take out Ballina Town. They proved all their doubters wrong on Sunday afternoon as they booked their last four ticket following their 3-2 win over the Super League side in Concannon Park. Daniel Gorman had given Ballina an early lead with a smashing free-kick from 20 yards, but the south Mayo men regrouped and were rewarded as Dean Roddy opened his account after Simon Butler put him through on goal and it remained dead-locked at the break.

Clash of the seaside clubs to determine destination for Tuohy Cup

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

League form is always a great leveller when trying to determine the outcome of cup finals and bearing this in mind this one will certainly go down to the wire. After a brilliant start to the season the Covies have struggled in recent weeks for consistency and fallen well back in the race for the Premier A title.

Stars of the future ready to shine on national stage

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

An air of excitement and anticipation is gathering in many households as teams and individuals from Mayo Community Games put their final preparations together for the forthcoming Community Games National Festival of Finals which take place in Athlone IT, over the next two weekends. This festival will host some 9,000 participants and the green and red of Mayo Community Games will be strongly represented with 286  competitors making the journey east to Athlone.

All roads lead to Croke Park

Fri, Aug 14, 2015

With Mayo booking their place in the All Ireland semi-final for the fifth time in a row last Saturday with a win over Donegal, all roads lead to Croke Park on Sunday August 30 for what promises to be an enthralling encounter with Dublin in the final four showdown. With ticket demand for the game expected to be at fever pitch levels, the Mayo GAA county board has announced its ticketing details for the big game.

Clarke and Cunniffe touch and go for semi-final

Thu, Aug 13, 2015

Mayo goalkeeper David Clarke will be touch and go to make the All Ireland semi-final against Dublin at the end of the month. Mayo GAA PRO Aiden McLouughlin confirmed to the Mayo Advertiser last night hat Clarke who picked up a groin injury is  "working hard at the minute but it's hard to say if he will be out or not yet, will be touch and go."

Mayo out-gun and out-think Donegal

Sun, Aug 09, 2015

Lee Keegan said that he “absolutely” meant to loop the ball over Paul Durcan’s head and into the top corner of the net three minutes into the second half. As soon as the green flag was raised by the umpires, Mayo were on their way to a fifth All Ireland semi-final in a row. That goal put seven points between the sides and it was a matter of seeing out the game from there on in.

Connelly pleased but lots to work on

Sun, Aug 09, 2015

Since the end of the National League campaign, Noel Connelly has become the public face of the Mayo management team when it comes to engaging with the press. On Saturday evening, it was once again the former Mayo captain who came out to face the questions after Mayo booked their place in the final four of the championship with a comfortable win over Donegal in Croke Park.

O’Connor ready to rock after last eight win

Sun, Aug 09, 2015

The battle for places in the match day 26 was a major factor in getting Mayo ready for their game against Donegal on Saturday. The lack of having a major test ahead of the game was something that many feared could count against Mayo going in against a battle hardened Donegal side, but Cillian O’Connor wasn’t to concerned about it saying after the game. “I don’t think it was really, you can only play what’s in front of you. The Sligo game we put up a big score, but it was tough work for us especially in the forwards. Although we were getting scores and making a big lead it’s still hard, it’s still hard work to do that. We relied heavily then on intensity in training and matches between ourselves and thankfully the competition, especially the last two weeks and three weeks has been massive, especially from the six or seven lads outside the 26, some tough calls had to be made because there are lads flying and training was brilliant coming into the game. You don’t know until you go out and play we had a few good sessions and we felt great coming into it.”

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