Three players who caught our eye in Mayo v NUI, Galway

FOUR POINTS Fergal Boland

Mike Finnerty

Shane Nally
Garrymore
MAYO’S captain for the day was the only one of the 21 Mayo players used last Sunday that played any championship football last summer.
So on a day when the going was going to be tough for Mayo’s patchwork team of young rookies, club players and ring-rusty hopefuls, Nally needed to lead by example.
Of course, the recently-qualified Garda didn’t let the side down and drove Mayo forward at every opportunity from midfield.
He also chipped in with two vital points from play midway through the second half, and never stopped pushing on.

Fergal Boland
Aghamore
IT was only a matter of time until the pocket rocket from last year’s All-Ireland winning under-21 team got his chance with the seniors.
And, credit where it’s due, he took it with both hands last Sunday, capping a typically industrious display with four points from play.
Boland is a hardy bit of stuff, toughened by years of hurling with Tooreen, and he didn’t take a single step back against NUI, Galway.
He was also constantly on the move and has two key attributes that are invaluable in the modern game: pace and the ability to retain possession.

Adam Gallagher
Mayo Gaels
IT’S only three years ago that the talented half-forward started Mayo’s first three National League games of the 2014 season and was being touted as a potential summer star.
In the intervening years, Gallagher has had more than his fair share of injury problems and a hip operation also played havoc with his best-laid plans.
But last Sunday the former Mayo minor captain showed that he still has the ability to strike the ball sweeter than most when the mood takes him.
The NUIG number twelve hit nine points (three from play) and did more than most to get the students over the line.
It was a joy to watch!