The case for Davitts to become kings of Mayo

On Saturday the men, women and children from the historic parish of Kilvine will leave their southern kingdom and travel to Castlebar for a shot at the title. They will make the journey buoyed by belief that their fine band of young men have the talent, the style, the skill, the grit and the fighting qualities needed to win the Sweeney Cup.

Of course, Ballinrobe will have something to say about that, but why not Davitts! Why not the men in black and red? Why not the team who attack with verve and defend with nerve?

There has been a lot of conversation about how classy and effective the Davitts forward line has been all year, but we cannot forget the men who build the foundation on which the snipers thrive.

I believe Davitts will win on Saturday because they have a team where expression is encouraged but not at the expense of concession at the other end. Dylan O'Brien is one of the best goalkeepers in Mayo. He's smart, brave and agile. He kicks very well and is one of the best at the priceless trade of one-on-one shot-stopping. On only one occasion, against Ballyhaunis, has he had to pick the ball of the his net.

In front of O'Brien is a very well-drilled defensive unit. They work well together and are mobile, adaptable defenders. Of course all successful teams need specialised man-markers and Davitts have those priceless assets in their armoury. Chief among them has been Charlie Phillips who has excelled this season and is well capable of doing so again at the weekend.

The middle third is the engine on which victory is built on and Davitts are well served in that department. Fenton Kelly is the typical box-to-box footballer every team requires and the All-Ireland winner has been central to their championship success. Cian Naughton has returned from Dublin to play a major role for the club and his two goals in the semi-final were pivotal.

The forward line is stacked with talent, but it's not all bells and whistles – instead, Davitts success is centred on a relentless workrate. Shane Treacy pops up all over the pitch while Jack Melvin, Niall Treacy and Ciaran Treacy are lethal with ball in hand. Their movement and hunger for scores will pose all sorts of problems for Ballinrobe and when scores are required these guys can be relied upon to deliver.

On the sideline, the men from Davitt Park have a smart, energetic, talented management team led by Mark Concannon. He has built a big reputation for himself in a short time and has worked wonders with Davitts. The border boys will lack for nothing in terms of preparation.

They've been playing football for many lifetimes in the lands around the border, but since a famous evening in 1974 when the locals gathered in the People's Hall in Ballindine and founded Davitts GAA Club, they've been striving for greatness. On Saturday evening they are more than capable of writing another chapter in their proud history.