Stiff test for new Mayo League team manager Horan

The Mayo League’s representative side begin their Oscar Traynor Cup journey on Friday when they face defending champions Galway, on the astro of Umbro Park, Milebush, at 7.45pm.

It’s a new format this year, with each game a knockout; the FAI having dispensed with the group stage system. It’s a tough first outing for new Mayo manager, Michael Horan – he was appointed a few weeks ago and has had little time to prepare for the competition.

“It's a winner takes all format this year,” Michael told The Mayo News. “The loser goes home and doesn't go any further in the competition, and that certainly puts some pressure on the game.”

The new manager was appointed following discussions with the Mayo League and has assembled a squad of approximately 20 players drawn from clubs across the county. Michael explained that he had deliberately approached clubs rather than individual players when assembling his squad. Invitations were circulated widely, although a number of players were unable to commit because of injuries, work, travel, college or the need for a break following a long domestic season.

Unsurprisingly, Westport United and Castlebar Celtic provide a substantial portion of the squad, with players also drawn from Ballyheane, Ballina Town, Conn Rangers, Manulla and Ballinrobe.

The manager said that the prolonged domestic season had restricted his opportunities to prepare the Mayo side. Castlebar Celtic's involvement in the latter stages of national and provincial competitions, together with outstanding domestic fixtures, (including the league decider between Westport United and Celtic) meant that several players, understandably, remained involved with their clubs until recently.

“I made the decision at the beginning, almost the night I spoke to the Mayo League, that I would work very closely with the clubs and that I would try not to interfere with their preparations for Connacht Cups and FAI Junior Cups and the important concluding games in the Super League,” he said. “I figured that if I did that, I would get some support back from the clubs when I would need it most.” He said he was satisfied with the cooperation received from clubs throughout the county.

“I think I've been treated fairly and I feel quite comfortable with the way my relationship is with the clubs.”

Paul Byrne, who most recently coached Claremorris, has joined the management team, while Westport-man, Dave Cameron is also involved in the backroom arrangements.

Despite the limited preparation time, Michael believes Mayo will put out a strong side to compete with Galway, who, despite an exodus of some players to the new National League squads of Salthill Devon and Mervue United, will still field a strong, quality side.

“I'm happy with the squad, and I think we have really quality players available,” he said.

Horan has particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with footballers who were previously opponents during his time with Westport United.

“I feel now that I very definitely am wearing a Mayo hat. I've very much bought into the multi-club Mayo scene.”

He said the response from players during training had been encouraging.

“Judging from the training sessions that we've had so far, the players have been really good. There's a nice camaraderie.”

Galway will provide a demanding opening test. The defending champions are again managed by Brendan O'Connor, whose teams Michael knows well.

“Any time you play a Brendan O'Connor side, you know that you're going to be in for an intense, hard-fought game because his teams are well organised and play with intensity and at a quick pace,” he said. “From our point of view, we have to match that and be aware of it.”

He also pointed out that Galway, Roscommon and Sligo/Leitrim have also experienced some difficulties arranging preparation time, leaving the competing counties facing similar preparation challenges. He also hopes that a good Mayo crowd will come to support their local clubs and players under lights on Friday evening.

It will be a unique fixture for Castlebar Celtic man, Cathal Coyne. Last year, he was on the national competition's winning Galway side; he was on the books of Salthill Devon at the time. The previous year he lined out for Mayo in the competition. Mayo will be hoping that his winning experience will be a good omen for them this year.Probable Starting Lineup (4:3:3): Stefan Hester (Castlebar Celtic); Mark Cunningham (Castlebar Celtic), Cillian Redmond (Ballyheane), Cathal Coyne (Castlebar Celtic), Alex Halpin (Westport United): Chris Kelly (Westport United), Johnny Cocozza (Castlebar Celtic), Oran Murphy (Castlebar Celtic); Kevin Kitterick (Westport United), Dan O’Malley (Westport United), PJ Gilmartin (Ballina Town).

Johnny Cocozza is likely to captain the side.