'He's looked really good' - Mayo champions on new arrival ahead of league opener

CASTLEBAR Celtic manager Stevie Gavin says the focus is simple as a new season approaches: “Get
the ball rolling and get points up on the board as quickly as possible.”

A change in league format and the loss of several experienced players have altered the landscape, but
Gavin insists the approach remains steady.

Dylan Edwards and Jordan Loftus have moved on after personal decisions to travel, Niall Brennan is sidelined through injury and Cathal Coyne has left to work and play in Galway.

“They’re going to be big losses for us,” Gavin said.

Even so, he rejects the idea that Celtic are weakened as a result. “Everyone is looking at what we don’t have,” he said.

“If people take a step back and look at what we do have, I’m very happy.”

He pointed to last season’s 4–1 win away to North End in Wexford in the FAI Senior Cup, achieved without several regulars, as proof that the group can respond when required.

There have been few additions. Paul McDermott, a left-sided defender who previously played underage
with Sligo Rovers before switching codes, has impressed in pre-season.

“He’s looked really good,” Gavin said. “We’re very happy with what we see there.” Players who have been on the fringes are also expected to step up.

Motivation, after multiple league titles and Connacht Cup successes, is addressed through daily standards.

“It’s about turning up and trying to improve every week,” Gavin said. He stressed the importance of training habits, gym work and punctuality, adding that consistency in small details underpins any sustained challenge.

The split-season format, where teams meet once before dividing into top and bottom halves, places
added weight on the early fixtures.

“You need to be in the top half,” he said. “If you’re not there, you’re not winning the league.” From there, he expects tighter contests among the leading sides.

Gavin declined to single out potential challengers or name players from rival clubs he would like to sign.

Instead, he looked inward, highlighting the expected return of Brennan in April, Jason Hunt’s recovery
from long-term injury, the arrival of Davitt Neary, and the progress of Daniel Ajanapa.

“He’s really grown in himself,” Gavin said of the young player. “We’re looking forward to seeing him more this year.”