Mayo relishing a shot at Roscommon

Mayo manager James Horan reacts to the final whistle after last Sunday’s Connacht SFC semi-final win over Galway in Castlebar

Time to bring on Rossies!


Mayo relishing a shot at the champion’s title

Mike Finnerty

THERE was no mistaking the mood of optimism that swept through the Mayo camp after last Sunday’s Connacht SFC semi-final victory over Galway as the players turned their attentions to next month’s provincial decider against Roscommon.
“There’s huge character in this team,” said Mayo captain Alan Dillon. “We are trying to develop leaders in every line, not just myself and Andy [Moran].
“If we want to progress then we have to have leaders all over the field. Now we have a Connacht final to look forward to so let’s wait and see.
“The bottom line is that we’ve nothing won,” he added. “The Rossies will be waiting for us in Hyde Park next month but it’s great to get a shot at a Connacht title.”
Mayo’s vice-captain Andy Moran, who lives in the famous border town of Ballaghaderreen, was also looking forward to renewing rivalries.
“Where I come from, I know you get nothing easy from the Rossie boys,” he smiled. “They fancy themselves, they think they’re a real good team.
“Donie Shine would be a good mate of mine and he thinks Roscommon are a really good team. So we have to go to the Hyde now and prove ourselves.”
Interestingly, Mayo have been installed as 4/7 favourites to regain the Connacht title on July 17. Boylesports have priced the defending champions, Roscommon, at 5/4.
Meanwhile, Seamus O’Shea is expected to line out for Breaffy in the Mayo SFC next weekend despite receiving two pain-killing injections to enable him to play against Galway last Sunday.
The Mayo midfielder sustained a hip injury during a county training session last Tuesday evening and also underwent cryotherapy treatment last week in order to take his place in the starting line-up.
Elsewhere, Trevor Howley is facing a race against time to be fit for the Connacht final after picking up a knee injury