GAA legend Lee Keegan singles out 'stellar' Mayo forward for early-season praise

Mayo GAA legend Lee Keegan has offered plenty of praise to Andy Moran's side following their opening day win in the National Football League.

In the whole, last Sunday's win over Galway in Salthill was a largely positive display for the Green and Red as they survived a roller-coaster affair to make it a victorious start to their Division One campaign.

Those sentiments were echoed by five-time All-Star Keegan, as he offered his musings in his RTÉ column.

In his opinion, the three-point win 'justified the tentative optimism' which has been brewing in the county.

The returning Robbie Hennelly, whose impact was described as 'Beggan-like', as well as Ryan O'Donoghue and Tommy Conroy, were all described in glowing terms by the Mayo icon.

However, one flame-haired forward came in for particular rave reviews.

"19-year-old Darragh Beirne made a stellar league debut," Keegan said.

"I've watched Beirne for the Mayo Under-20s, and for Claremorris when they played our club in the Mayo Under-20 final. He's a really good footballer, a smart footballer.

"And, crucially, he's a left-footed forward, which we've been badly stuck for in the last few years."

The Westport clubman went on to discuss some concerns from the Round One clash, such as the goal chances which came to the fore.

"There's no punditry duty for me this week, but I'll be in situ at MacHale Park, cautiously optimistic for a victory over Dublin - provided the tendency towards sluggish home form doesn't re-emerge," he stated.