Mayo gear up for first Oscar Traynor campaign under new manager

The Mayo League will begin their Oscar Traynor Cup campaign on Sunday, when they face the Sligo-Leitrim League at Umbro Park in Castlebar. For newly appointed manager Alan Henry, it will be his first competitive outing in charge, and he admits that the build-up has been hectic but promising.

The Mayo News met Henry this week and he admitted the timing of the competition has made preparations difficult. “When I went for the interview for the job, everyone thought the Oscar Traynor Cup would be in the new FAI season, starting in March or thereabouts,” he said.

“Then it was suddenly put back into the old season and here we are. It has left us with a very short window to get ready. But we’re working hard and we’ll be as prepared as we can be for Sligo-Leitrim at home.”

Mayo dismissed the same opposition in the Connacht group stage of last year’s competition. Mayo were rusty that day – it took them an hour to find their rhythm, having opened their campaign without a pre-competition warm-up – but eased to a 4-1 win in McSharry Park in the end. 

NEW SQUAD

This year they have the upheaval of a new management team and will be without several members of last year’s squad for a variety of reasons. 

Henry has not finalised his squad yet, in fact it sounds like he is quite some way from that stage yet.

“It’s been a busy few weeks,” he told The Mayo News. “We’ve brought in a few new lads to have a look at them and see where they’re at. It’s still early days, but the attitude from the players has been very positive.”

Among the fresh faces are Ireland international Michael Lavin and Sam Barnes. “Yeah, we brought them in from Conn Rangers to have a look at them,” Henry said. “We just want to see where they’re at. It’s important to open the door and give young lads a chance.”

Henry has also called up Ballina Town goalkeeper Emmet Peyton, as one of four ’keepers who impressed during the domestic season. “Emmet’s done well. He’s a big lad, strong and commanding. We’ve brought in a few keepers to look at. There’s no decision made yet, but we’re blessed to have so many good options there,” he said.

Henry has called in James Robinson of Westport United and young Ballinrobe shot-stopper Conal Doran, who spent some time with Kerry FC. The trio will be among those in contention to displace Stefan Hester of Castlebar Celtic, who held the shirt last season.

“We’ve brought in four goalkeepers at the minute. We certainly won’t be finishing with four, but it’s good to have that competition.”

ABSENTEES

There have been losses, too. Some players from last season’s squad have moved on, including Cathal Coyne and Jamie Cawley – both now playing in Galway - and Cillian Redmond, now playing in Dublin.

“They’re a huge loss,” Henry said. “You’re looking at five or six players gone from last year already before we even start, and then we’ve injuries as well — Niall Brennan is out long term, and Jason Hunt is also out.” In addition Ben Edeh, Michael Fahey and Nathan Reilly-Doyle of Ballyheane are suspended by the Mayo League. 

The Mayo boss says those absences have forced him to widen the net. “We spoke to Mikey O’Brien, (Westport United), Chris Maughan (Ballina Town) and a couple of others. We definitely needed to bring in another few lads to see who can fill the shoes of the ones that have gone.”

Henry confirmed that several familiar faces remain from last year’s set-up, including Hester, Mark Cunningham, and Ioseph O’Reilly from Castlebar Celtic. Brian Walsh has also been added from the champions. Henry said injuries are an ongoing concern.

“Stefan has a knock, Ioseph has a knock, and even Conal (Doran) the ’keeper, has picked up an injury,” he said. “We’ll have to see how lads come through this week before we finally name a squad.”

In midfield and attack, Henry has been keeping an open mind. “We’re having a look at a few lads. Jordan Loftus has been in doing a bit. Dylan Edwards can’t commit this year, which is a pity — he’s a quality player — but that’s football. Sometimes lads just can’t commit with work or college.”

The manager also confirmed he has been in touch with Ballina midfielder Oisín Tighe. “We’ve contacted Oisín. He’s in college in Galway and hasn’t been in that much, but we’ll try to get him in as much as we can. Mikey’s situation is difficult — he’s working in Dublin and started a new job — so it’s not easy for him either.”

Henry has also lost the services of Ballina Town’s Dylan McKee and Darren Browne from Westport United – both unable to commit this season.

CHALLENGES

For the new manager the challenge is as much about logistics as tactics. “You have lads working, in college, injured — it’s hard to get everyone together. But the commitment from the group so far has been great,” he said.

Asked about formations and style of play, Henry was cautious. “We haven’t done any shape work yet. We’ll look at two different shapes next week leading up to the Sligo game. Nothing is decided until then,” he said. “Once we’ve everyone in and know who’s fit, we can start making those calls.”

He has yet to name a captain but said leadership qualities are emerging. “There are a few lads who stand out. It’s something we’ll decide later next week, but it’s not the biggest issue right now.”

Henry has done his homework on the opposition. “I have a good idea of them,” he said. “That’s part of the job — you have to be prepared and give your own players every chance.”

The new manager’s first priority is to get a result at home to Sligo-Leitrim before turning attention to Galway a month later. “We’ll be as well prepared as we can be. The focus is on getting that first win. Then we’ll have time to regroup and build again for the next game,” he said.

Despite the challenges — injuries, player turnover, and limited preparation time — Henry remains upbeat. “We’ll work hard, that’s for sure. There’s a good group here, and if everyone’s pulling in the same direction, we’ll be okay. It’s about effort, attitude, and getting the basics right. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”

Having seen Sligo-Leitrim the past few seasons and knowing the thoroughness of Henry’s preparation, it’s hard to see anything but a home win on Sunday. But of course you never know in football.