Three key matchups ahead of the Mayo-Monaghan All-Ireland tie
How both sides match up in Saint Tiernach’s Park could be crucial early in the race for Sam Maguire
After Mayo’s hugely disappointing performance against Roscommon in MacHale Park last time out, this Sunday’s clash with Ulster finalists Monaghan represents a huge opportunity for both teams.
We look at three battles which could be pivotal to the outcome.
ANDY MORAN v GABRIEL BANNIGAN
Last season Andy Moran had a short but impactful stint under the guidance of Gabriel Bannigan in Monaghan.
Acting as forwards coach, Moran brought a great sense of positivity to the Farney men as they caught the eye nationally racking up big scores and kicking a large amount of two pointers.
Coming into this Sunday’s clash, one would have to say that there’s more pressure on Moran’s men to deliver after the hugely disappointing performance against Roscommon. It’s very possible that Moran will announce changes and Monaghan will prove hard to beat in Clones.
Jack McCarron’s performance for the home side could be crucial in this one. The key attacker has made a big impression in the Ulster Championship, coming off the bench but the Scotstown man could also be in from the start on Sunday.
The Green and Red will be hoping for a big performance although Bannigan’s charges will be a tough nut to crack after their brave performance in the Ulster final. One thing is for sure, the mind-wars between the two men in the sideline will play a pivotal role in the outcome.
JORDAN FLYNN v MICHEÁL MCCARVILLE
THERE’S no getting away from it, Mayo have struggled around the middle in the last number of games. Frequent half-forwards Jordan Flynn and Jack Carney are more than capable of playing at midfield as they do for their clubs.
The Green and Red have struggled gaining primary possession in the air while winning the breaking ball has also been an area of concern.
Crossmolina’s Jordan Flynn could be one possible solution to the midfield conundrum, an area where Monaghan’s Michéal McCarville has established himself as an important piece of Bannigan’s jig-saw. Both players often show a real hard-working attitude and are familiar with long-distance scoring which is now such an important part of the modern game.
McCarville is a hugely physical player with great athleticism and his display will say a lot about Monaghan’s chances. Midfield is an area where Mayo have struggled, could it be one where Monaghan gets great joy in? Only time will tell.
RYAN O’DONOGHUE v STEPHEN O’HANLON
Belmullet ace Ryan O’Donoghue has been the leading light for Mayo this season and the vice-captain has shown his class on countless occasions. If Mayo are to be victorious on Sunday, a big score will be required in Clones.
O’Donoghue has been operating from centre forward for the majority of the season, but this clash could be an opportunity for him to move back into the full-forward line, an area where he’s excelled over the years.
Either way, the Belmullet man will be carrying the baton in attack for Moran’s men. On the other hand, Monaghan livewire Stephen O’Hanlon is an equally classy footballer.
His burst of speed is electric and the Carrickmacross clubman knows where the posts are, kicking six points in the Ulster final. When the sides met in the league, there was a huge score racked up and it could be the same on Sunday and one thing is for sure, O’Donoghue and O’Hanlon will be in the thick of it.