GAA PREVIEW: Mayo approach season with a sense of optimism

The dictionary tells us that the definition of optimism is, “An attitude reflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of some specific endeavour, or outcomes in general, will be positive, favourable and desirable.”

As always, Mayo supporters arrive at the start of the football season fuelled by a sense of optimism and opportunity. Whether there is substance to that positivity will not be decided until later in the year, but right now, as we prepare for a trip to Dublin on Saturday night, the opportunity to dream is definitely available.

Numerous high-scoring challenge games have brought the men in Green and Red to the eve of the National League and now they must put that preparation to good use, starting with this weekend's match in Croke Park.

Kevin McStay will send out a team minus a lot of experience for the clash with Dessie Farrell's Dublin team, but the Ballina man won't be seeking any excuses.

READ: Kevin McStay and Andy Moran give their views on Gaelic football's new rules

Aidan O'Shea is yet to return to full training, while Jordan Flynn is still involved in Crossmolina's All-Ireland club campaign, so it will fall to the likes of Bob Tuohy to step forward and make a serious impact around the middle. It may be an opportune time to make a mark against Dublin given the absence of the retired Brian Fenton.

Cillian O'Connor stepping away from inter-county football leaves a big hole to fill in terms of experience in the attack while the same can be said about the loss of Padraig O'Hora at the other end.

However, there is optimism in the Mayo ranks as Sam Callinan stated recently at the launch of the Sigerson Cup.

“I love going out playing Dublin, in my eyes they are still the pinnacle of Gaelic football teams. Any chance you get to play in Croker you have to savour it. We’re looking forward to it.

“We have fallen short the last two seasons but last year we were within a kick of a ball from beating Dublin and a kick of a ball from winning the Connacht final against Galway, who were beaten All-Ireland finalists. We have a very strong team and a young core that we can develop and grow. There is no reason not to be optimistic going into this season, it is a wide-open competition, especially with the new rules, and I think it plays to our strengths in Mayo.

“Any time you can get a Mayo starting jersey, you take it – it is a privilege to be in the line-up. With the new rules it is a bit different, as I would've always combined attacking with defending so that does take a bit of adjusting to. You are more defensive-minded or attacking-minded, depending on whether you are in the full-back or half-back line,” he added before being asked about the absence of players such as O'Connor and his clubmate O'Hora.

READ: EDITORIAL: Mayo team not expected to challenge for Sam Maguire glory 

“I was up and down the road with Cillian a lot and he is flat out with work so it is understandable. I completely respect their decision to go. They will be missed but there is plenty of young talent coming in. The lads are only a phone call away if anyone is looking for a bit of advice – they are great like that.”

Callinan and Mayo begin their National League campaign next Saturday night in Croke Park. There are new rules and a new team, but the sense of optimism always remains the same. The more things change, the more they remain the same.