Captain Kenny aiming for Croker glory for Mayo hurlers

For Mayo captain David Kenny, Saturday’s final represents unfinished business.

The 2024 campaign was almost a dream year for the Tooreen man as he led his side out onto the hallowed turf of Croke Park in his maiden year as captain against Donegal in the Nickey Rackard decider.

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Unfortunately, when the full-time whistle was blown on June 2, 2024, Kenny was left watching as the green and gold jersey of Conor Gartland ascended the steps in the Hogan Stand to hoist the silverware to the heavens.

Now, 363 days on, the Green and Red have another crack of the whip.

“We’re trying to set the wrong that was last year’s final,” Kenny told The Mayo News. 

Throughout Mayo, the dream of heading to GAA HQ and lifting Sam Maguire is the aspiration of children from the second consciousness is fully formed. However, for the sacred few who spend endless evenings pucking the small ball against the wall until day becomes night, Saturday is the stuff dreams are made of.

“Representing your county is an honour, and to do it with this group is an even bigger honour,” said Mayo’s talisman.

For Kenny, the thought of replicating the likes of Brian Hunt in 2016 and Keith Higgins in 2021 in climbing those 34 Hogan Stand steps hasn’t even registered.

For him, Saturday is business as usual.

“I definitely haven’t thought about that yet! I might not even get the chance to think about that until it's time to go up to get it.”

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Saturday’s opposition are Mayo’s nearest and dearest. The Roscommon border is barely five minutes away from Mayo’s training HQ in Tooreen. While Mayo have had the Rossies’ number twice in 2025, Kenny and Mayo are well aware of what they can bring to the party.

“Roscommon will be hurting bad, and we know that,” he explained. “We have to avoid being complacent. When you go out to play Roscommon, all form goes out the window. It’s a local derby in its own right.”

Saturday’s decider represents a shot at history. If Mayo add to their Division Three title, they will become the first Mayo side to capture League and Nickey Rackard honours in the same season.

“We were delighted to win the league, but the main thing after the league was parking it,” said Larkin. “We tried to get into the final as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

There’s no doubt about it, the future of hurling in the county is on the up. In the previously mentioned League final, Mayo pipped London, who are coached by Cork hurling icon Anthony Nash, to the title.

On Saturday, the very same London side will line out in the Christy Ring final, and could end up playing Joe McDonagh hurling in 2026. Such wins against sides stacked with serious ballers is a firm indication of the direction of travel of Mayo.

“If anything, it gives us a bit of reassurance that what we’re doing is good, and that we’re on the right track,” Kenny surmised.

“Hopefully, we’ll be back up in Christy Ring next season to give those sides a good battle.”

NICKY RACKARD CUP FINAL

MAYO v ROSCOMMON

Croke Park, Saturday, May 31, 1pm