Mike Finnerty
THE Mayo senior football squad will begin their preparations for next year’s Allianz National Football League campaign with a team holiday in Miami.
James Horan’s panel are being rewarded for their excellent 2012 season with a week-long break in the renowned American holiday destination.
The team holiday, which is being funded by the GAA’s Central Council, is one of the perks for the All-Ireland senior finalists every year.
Mayo’s travelling party is due to depart Ireland for the South Florida city on Friday, January 4 and return on Friday, January 11.
All players who are free to travel, as well as some members of the team management, backroom staff, and County Board officials will be making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean.
The break will allow the Mayo squad an opportunity to recharge their batteries with the average temperature for January in Miami a balmy 24 degrees Celsius.
The Mayo GAA Board are submitting an application to the Connacht Council this week seeking to ‘pick up’ the one FBD League match they will be missing when they return from the USA.
Mayo begin their National League campaign against Kerry in McHale Park, Castlebar on Sunday, February 3.
Meanwhile, Ger Cafferkey, Keith Higgins, Lee Keegan and Alan Dillon will be packing their suitcases later this month for the All Stars trip to New York.
The four Mayo award winners will join the rest of the 2012 All Star team, and their 2011 counterparts, for an exhibition match and mini-break in the Big Apple.
The game will be played at Gaelic Park, New York on Sunday, November 17.
Minor post to be filled
THE identity of the new Mayo Minor football manager is expected to be known after Thursday night’s meeting of the County Board.
John Kelly and Vinnie Gavin, who have been nominated on a joint managerial ticket, and Enda Gilvarry are the only two contenders for the high-profile post.