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Home , Aidan Walsh, Barry Moran, Brian Hurley, Colm Boyle, Conor Loftus, County (Gaelic games)

Pic: Michael McLaughlin

FOR HONOUR AND GLORY

MayoM underd 21s21 bidbid tot bringb i back All- medals

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 1 THE BIG MATCH ZONE WITH MIKE FINNERTY Mayo’s class of 2016 BETTING ODDS KEY NUMBER TO WIN Mayo 11/8 8/11 Draw 15/2 HANDICAP make their own way Cork (-1) 11/10 4 Mayo (+1) 10/11 ALL-IRELAND under 21 football titles won by Mayo. Handicap Draw (-1) 7/1 They beat Kerry after a in 1967 (4-9 to 1-7) and also needed a replay to get over Antrim in 1974 (2-10 to 2-8). In 1983, Mayo overcame Derry in a well or as loudly as it should have been. THE REFEREE replay by 1-8 to 1-5, and in 2006 Mayo pipped Overviewview The minors had the misfortune to win PADRAIG HUGHES (ARMAGH) Cork by 1-13 to 1-11. EDWIN MCGREALREAL their All-Ireland on the same day that MAYO fans have seen quite a bit of Hughes in the seniors lost to Dublin. They were recent years as he’s popped up to referee seen as the silver lining in the cloud everything from our 2010 National League Final TWITTER WATCH – there was no such ambiguity in Ennis defeat to Cork, our league semi-fi nal loss to HERE is still something special ten years ago. Derry in 2014, and our champion- EDWIN McGREAL about Ennis ten years ago. The short time between the minor ship win over Galway last summer. Just about getting the breath back. That was May 7, 2006 in success and the senior fi nal starting at Hughes was also in charge of Mayo’s National some game, some win. These boys don’t know and Mayo leave as All-Ireland Croke Park three years ago was some- The 2013 minor League defeat to Dublin in earlier this when they’re beaten #mayogaa TUnder 21 champions after a thing very special. It was pregnant with Spring. stirring win over Cork. hope and Mayo fans were on cloud win was not After both semi-fi nal referees coming in for AIDAN O’SHEA For many young Mayo supporters it nine. “ harsh criticism earlier this month, it’s no Delighted for the 21s massive win. Dug it out!! was the fi rst time they had witnessed But, alas, it didn’t last and that Minor celebrated as surprise that the GAA have gone for an #Nerve #Composure repeat of 10 years ago in a team winning an All-Ireland. team deserved to be much more than experienced match offi cial for next weekend. the fi nal. It had been 21 years (the year of cap- a footnote to that day. loudly as it @AIDOXI tain was born) when They’ve shown this year, if we needed Mayo last won a minor, under 21 or reminding, how special a group they should have THE MAYO SQUAD ENDA GILVARRY senior All-Ireland. are. The against-the-odds comebacks THERE are 32 players in Michael Solan’s Mayo Well done to @MayoGAA under 21s today. Mayo’s record in the three main grades against and Dublin were been under 21 championship panel. Unbelievable desire, commitment and true was pitiful. They had lost four fi nals great for the soul, if not so good for They are: Eddie Doran (Achill), Conor Kilkenny, character. One more run lads. #tiu #onemorerun in each grade but that did not hold back the heart. Ciaran Harrison, Fergal Boland, David Kenny, #maigheoabu Pat Holmes and Noel Connelly’s men It would be wrong to suggest that James Lyons (Aghamore); James Carr (Ardagh); @egilvarry that day, and the scenes which greeted this is the very same team as 2013. Of Matthew Flanagan, Val Roughneen, Barry Duffy Joe McQuillan’s fi nal whistle were those who started in that September the discretion of . (Balla); Sharoize Akram, Seamus Cunniffe, Ryan PAUDIE PALMER ecstatic. triumph over Tyrone, only nine played But before people get too excited, Lynch (Ballagh’); Mikey Murray (Ballina Stephen- Back in the West after witnessing an outstanding It did not bring an automatic end to a part in last week’s semi-fi nal victory recall that the way Diarmuid O’Connor ites); Diarmuid O’Connor, Michael Plunkett display of by a highly talented @ Mayo’s woes in All-Ireland Finals but over Dublin. bestrode that game in Tullamore is not (Ballintubber); Morgan Lyons (); Eoin Offi cialCorkGAA U21 team,roll on the fi nal it imbued a certain confi dence in the Indeed players who were not part of just emblematic of his own class, but O’Donoghue, James Kelly, Scott Kilker (Belmul- @PaudieP protagonists. that panel — such as Shairoze Akram, also underlines the difference between let); Michael Hall, Matthew Ruane, Liam Irwin A remarkable thirteen of the starting Fergal Boland and Brian Reape — have senior and under 21. (Breaffy); Seán Conlon (Castlebar Mitchels); BRIAN HURLEY team, and one sub, would go on to play become important players this time He was the only senior regular play- , Fionán Duffy (); Congrats @Offi cialCorkGAA 21s on a big win! @ senior championship for Mayo, many around. ing for either side that day. (Hollymount/Carramore); Jason FROM THE ARCHIVES Mayo captain Eddie Gibbons (left) and Ger Geraghty lift the Clarke Cup after michaelhurley9 no room for that little MOTM of them forming the foundation of the However, the foundation of this team Keith Higgins was the only player Forkan, TJ Byrne (Kiltimagh); Colm Reape the 1983 All-Ireland U-21 Football Final. Mayo beat Derry in Irvinestown after a replay by 1-8 to 1-5. award in my cabinet current fi ve-in-a-row Connacht cham- undoubtedly comes from the class of from the Under 21 class of 2006 to start (Knockmore); Padraig Prendergast (Louisburgh); @BrianHurley15 pionship squad. 2013 and the champion spirit they have the All-Ireland Senior Final later that Brian Reape (Moy Davitts). There’s a great synergy about the fact exhibited this year underlines their year. MAYO’S LAST FIVE DID YOU KNOW? that, in Mayo’s fi rst All-Ireland Under pedigree. We’ve seen since how many of that ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINALS 21 fi nal appearance since 2006, it’s back Right now it would take some amount class progressed and the same will ring COVER PICTURE MAYO’S All-Ireland winning under 21 captains FIXTURE to Ennis we go. of hyperbole to over-egg Diarmuid true with the group of 2016. It just will OUR image on the front of this supplement 2006 Mayo 1-13, Cork 1-11 (Ennis) are Willie Loftus from Ballina (1967), John Culkin Ten years on, to face Cork once more. O’Connor’s potential. Two years ago not come immediately in many cases features the jersey worn by JP Kean in the 2004 Armagh 2-8, Mayo 1-9 (Cavan) from Ardnaree Sarsfi elds (1974), Eddie Gibbons MAYO V CORK But this year’s Under 21 team won’t we were told he would be better than and, while panel places might be up 1974 All-Ireland under-21 fi nal, along with his 1995 Kerry 3-10, Mayo 1-12 (Thurles, R) from The Neale (1983) and Keith Higgins from just be trying to follow in the footsteps Cillian O’Connor. His elder brother for grabs, expecting a raft of guys to All-Ireland minor and under-21 winners’ medals 1995 Kerry 2-12, Mayo 3-9 (Tullamore) Ballyhaunis (2006). SATURDAY APRIL 30, ENNIS AT 6PM of the ‘06 team. had just won Young Footballer of the burst into starting contention is unre- from 1971 and ‘74. 1994 Cork 1-12, Mayo 1-5 (Ennis) They will be aiming to follow in their Year two years in a row. alistic. own footsteps. They are history mak- We laughed off such nonsense. We’re As we saw in 2006, the long-term ers themselves already, after many of not so sure now. UP WHERE WE BELONG Mayo all showed why at various stages in benefi ts can be as vital as the glory of them won All-Ireland Minor medals David Kenny, Michael Hall, Stephen captain Stephen Coen lifts the Tom Tullamore. success. Mayo would be very happy Markham Cup after the 2013 Tell us something about yourself we Which three guests would you invite to What’s been your worst holiday? three years ago. Coen and Conor Loftus all join him in All-Ireland Minor Final at Croke Whether any more of their colleagues with the latter and allow for the former don’t know? your dinner party? Haven’t had a bad one, but my best was That victory was not celebrated as the Mayo senior set-up presently. They Park. Pic: Sportsfi le join them or not this year remains at to come in its own good time. QUICKFIRE That I haven’t the worst Conor McGregor, Tim Riggins certainly my few weeks in America last dress sense on the (Friday Night Lights) and summer. panel. Just check out Harvey Spectre (Suits). QUESTIONS Matty Flanagan’s Any football superstitions? Instagram page Who’s your ideal I try to wear the same shorts and socks in of the last pair of date? every championship game throughout the The Drive For Five - Mayo’s previous All-Ireland wins runners he Emily Ratajkowski. season. bought!! What makes Best dressing-room prank you’ve seen? A night in, or you nervous? Some of the antics Fionán Duffy gets up to 1967 (REPLAY) 1974 (REPLAY) 1983 (REPLAY) 2006 a big night When I hear wouldn’t be safe to mention. MAYO 4-9 MAYO 1-13 out? Matty Flanagan KERRY 1-7 MAYO 2-10 MAYO 1-8 CORK 1-11 A big night out shouting my What do you miss most about being a ANTRIM 2-8 DERRY 1-5 with the lads name!! kid? MAYO MAYO during the Not having my mother do everything for me. E Rooney; J Earley, C Loftus, N McDonnell; J MAYO MAYO K O’Malley; T Howley, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; C offseason for Ryan, T Cafferkey, M Flatley; T Keane, W Loftus I Heffernan; A Durkan, S Reilly, J O’Mahony; G G Irwin; P Ford (0-1), J Maughan, E Gibbons; J Barrett (0-1), T Cunniffe, C Boyle; S O’Shea, B sure! What’s your most prized possession? (captain, 0-1); S O’Dowd (0-4), J Gibbons(0-2), T Feeney, C Moynihan, J Culkin (captain); R Bell McNabb, M Feeney, J Finn; G Geraghty (0-1), S Moran; A Campbell, J Dillon, A Kilcoyne (1-6, four I’d have to say my phone, I’d be lost without it. Fitzgerald (0-1); W McGee (4-0), J Smyth (0-1), D (0-1), G Farragher; T Webb (1-0), J.P. Kean (0-8 Maher (1-0); P Brogan (0-3), J Lindsay, N Durcan frees and a sideline); M Ronaldson (0-1), M Name: Eoin O’Donoghue What’s your favour- Griffi th. 6fs); M Flannery (0-1), M Maloney, D McGrath (0-1); B Kilkelly(0-1), T Grogan, P Duffy. Hannick, M Conroy (0-3). Club: Belmullet Age: 19 ite TV show? (1-0), M Higgins. Sub used: M Kearns (0-1) for T Grogan. Subs used: S Ryder for Boyle; K Costello (0-1) for Occupation: Student/ Part-time baker I’m a big Game of Thrones fan. DATE Emily Ratajkowski Dillon; E Varley (0-1) for Hannick.

2 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 3 The fi nal Underdogs tag might suit Mayo Talking Tacticscs BILLY JOE PADDEN LEADING BY EXAMPLE Mayo’s Diarmuid O’Connor chases back to get a tackle in on Dublin’s Con bake-off I like denying O’Callaghan during the IME fl ies and all that but I still can’t recent All-Ireland Under-21 believe it’s been fi fteen years since I FC semi-fi nal. Pic: Sportsfi le another man was part of a Mayo under 21 squad that his happiness lost an All-Ireland Final to Tyrone. It Eoin O’Donoghue is looking forward T was the ‘Foot and Mouth’ fi nal which wasn’t played until October of 2001 and a day when we came off second best against the late to his third All-Ireland appearance Cormac McAnallen and company. Since then, Mayo have played in just two All- Ireland under 21 fi nals and, apart from the 2006 success, we’ve always found it hard to get across Intervieww His father, aunt and cousin run the the line at this grade. MIKE FINNERTY well-known ‘O’Donoghue’s Bakery’ in Like every All-Ireland fi nal, they’re hard mikefi [email protected] Belmullet, supplying their ‘An Builín won. SPORTS EDITOR Blasta’ bread and confectionery to the If I’m being brutally honest, I thought that the region, as well as shops in Achill, level of the second semi-fi nal between Cork and Crossmolina, and Castlebar. Monaghan was far superior to the fi rst (when HERE are no shortage of house- The student also works there at week- Mayo pipped Dublin). hold names or headline-grabbers ends and during his holidays, although Cork corner forward Michael Hurley has elec- in this Mayo under 21 team, but his recent Saturdays have been taken tric pace, and the quality of the shooting in that the likes of Eoin O’Donoghue up with football commitments. game was of a really high standard. So Mayo T operate mainly under the “The Dublin game was end to end,” will go into next Saturday’s fi nal as under- radar. he recalled. “From a defender’s point of dogs. The 19 year-old from Bridge Road in view you don’t really want to play in But as we know better than anybody, in a fi nal Belmullet is still a relatively unknown them because you’re under pressure the anything can happen. quantity outside the dressing-rooms in whole time. But that’s what forwards Mayo are going in against Cork with a lot of Tallagh and MacHale Park, but his recent want — ball coming in 24/7. good habits. They’re fi nishing games extremely displays for the under 21s have started to “Our forwards would want more ball strongly. There’s obviously great team spirit in make us sit up and take notice. coming in too if they could get it,” he the group. So maybe underdog status will suit Cut from the same cloth as his club-mate added. “And we just want to give it to them. Chris Barrett, O’Donoghue loves the rough them. You’d trust any of them to kick a Mayo won the fi rst half against Dublin, let and tumble of playing in the Mayo full- score for you.” their level drop in the second half, and then back line. And the one he hates to see coming clawed their way back into the game in diffi cult He’s aggressive and attacks the ball, is into him at training? circumstances – against the wind, and dealing got to examine their strategy on their kick-outs I’m happy that so many things worked out for tight-marking and tenacious. “It’s hard to call but Liam Irwin is prob- with an inconsistent referee. I think going into too. him in the Dublin game. Against Roscommon and Dublin he ably the hardest guy to mark. Just for a fi nal knowing that they have to improve again In the second half, Dublin seemed to take off But in a way, I’m also happy that other things showed those qualities in abundance, get- sheer size and strength. He’s a hard man (and playing against a more fancied team) is some smaller players and bring on bigger men. arose which will have needed work over the last ting up close and personal with Diarmuid to handle no matter what the condi- the perfect situation. I think their increased physical strength had a ten days. Watching the third quarter of the semi- Murtagh and Con O’Callaghan respectively tions.” I was very happy with an awful lot of Mayo’s part to play in Dublin getting back into the game. fi nal, I was annoyed that on the Dublin kick-out, whenever the ball came their way. Growing up, O’Donoghue was a big performance against Dublin. I was really happy If Dessie Farrell had that game back again, he or when play was lost deep in the Dublin half, if Shrewd observers think O’Donoghue fan of Belmullet’s Billy Joe Padden and with the way Mayo kept possession. Mentally, might have started with a bigger, stronger the Dublin attack beat the initial press, there was might have what it takes to play senior for remembers being in awe of Keith Hig- the resolve they displayed was top-class. Diarmuid team. a hole in the centre of our defence. Mayo down the line. He smiles when you gins when watching the All-Ireland Finals O’Connor was brilliant. There was a lot to I know and played against Michael Solan. I’m In a fi nal, anything Mayo can’t afford a repeat of that next Saturday. ask the question, and enquire where he’d of 2004 and 2006 as a young school- bunch of lads, we get on, keep in contact, ON THE BURST “I just try and do my normal things, I like. absolutely delighted to see a young man (younger To close that space up, they may have to decide like to play. boy. and there’s a great bond between us. Mayo’s Eoin O’Donoghue is don’t try and focus on anything in par- But there are certainly areas where they can than me!) like him enjoying success. He has a can happen they won’t press Cork as high up the fi eld as they “Corner-back, I think. If I was ever lucky “In the last few years the likes of Keith, “Nobody thinks they’re bigger than the pictured in action against ticular. Just prepare right, sleep well, eat improve. Mayo’s shape was too open in the third huge interest and a huge knowledge of Gaelic did against Dublin, because it is a risk. If you Galway during last year’s enough to play senior for Mayo, I’d like Ger Cafferkey and Chrissy Barrett, my squad, they’re all down to earth lads. It’s Connacht Junior Football well, and make sure i’m full of energy. quarter. They need to be much better at win- football, and is clearly an innovative thinker in press high and the opposition beat the press, to play there. own clubman, have really impressed a very open set-up and all the under 21s Championship fi nal. “It’s something you dream of and look ning breaking ball around the fi eld, and they’ve how he sets up a team. they’re left to play in the spaces. “I like getting stuck in, denying another me. They do very little wrong,” he would know all the Mayo senior lads.” Pic: Ray Ryan forward to, but it’s just Game Four. That’s man his happiness and an easy day at the muses. Next Saturday will be his third All- how we started out, taking one game at offi ce. That’s the best part of being a cor- O’Donoghue played in Croke Park Ireland Final after winning one with Our a time, crossing off the dates. ner-back.” himself as a Mayo minor in the 2014 All- Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet and “We’re exactly where we wanted to be. A second year commerce student at Ireland semi-fi nal defeat to Kerry. losing one with the Mayo juniors last “Nothing is done until that ball is NUI, Galway, Eoin is the middle child of “That was a great experience and a lot year. thrown-in and then we’ll really go at it, David and Breege O’Donoghue’s seven of those lads are involved in this team He intends to stick to his own routine and see what we’re made of.” Time for leaders to step up to the plate kids. too,” he explained. “They’re a great in the days ahead.

T any of the underage grades, The likes of SStephentephen Coen, Conor Lof-Lof- up when gamesgames are in the melting-pot the quality required to make the step-up player development is key. tus and Michaelael HallHall are ggettingetting game-game- andand makingmaking keykey contributions. to be outstanding seniors. But there is KEY NUMBER QUOTE OF DID YOU KNOW? MEDICAL MATTERS Players have to learn how to time with the seniors,seniors, so hopefully we’ll TheThe lastlast MayoMayo under-21 team to win evidence that they have something about TALKING THE WEEK win, and learn how to be in a see big games ffromrom them next Saturday. Connacht,Connacht, backbac in 2009, included the them, a mental resolve. That was cer- MAYO have scored six goals MAYO boss Michael Solan was A position where you’re impor- It would be greateat iiff they could make the likes ofof Aidan O’Shea, and tainly clear in their last two outings, and “These are very en route to Saturday’s keen to highlight the role played by tant to your team-mates. kind of stridess next season that we’ve Kevin McLoMcLoughlin.u Similarly, some there were signs of it in the 2013 minor POINTS decider against Cork, and his medical team in ensuring that It’s called leadership. already seen frfromom O’Connor. ofof the undeunder-21r leaders of today may campaign too. enjoyable days, conceded just two goals. injuries have been kept to a We know what we have in Diarmuid James Carr iss onlyonly out of minor, soso becomebecome thethe senior leaders of tomor- Liam Irwin was a key performer in that 35 days to be Brian Reape and Diarmuid minimum so far in this campaign. O’Connor. He’s already one of the best his impact off thehe bench for the under-under- row.row. But ffour or fi ve years from minor team, and he’s made a big contri- O’Connor have scored two Physios Mark Gallagher and David players at senior inter-county level. The 21s could reallyy help his development. now, we mmay look at this team and bution at under-21 level too, staying cool PLAYS that Diarmuid O’Connor embraced, not to goals each, with one apiece Walsh, along with S&C coach leadership he’s shown in the last few Maybe he cann taketake tthehe next step nenextxt identifyidentify Diarmuid O’Connor as and calm and getting vital scores. had during Mayo’s All-Ireland coming from Fionán Duffy Conor Finn, have been to the rounds of the under-21 championship season and be a leaderleader oonn thithiss tteam.eam. the only one who became a star Many of this squad won an All-Ireland semi-fi nal win over Dublin. This be fearful of.” and Liam Irwin. forefront in this regard with support has been huge, and that augurs well for But the under-21er-21 championshipchampionship is alsoalso at seseniornior llevel. minor fi nal in 2013. Three years on, was in approximately 66 from the likes of S&C expert Barry Saturday. He’s the best player left in the about instillingng winningwinning habits.habits. As a TheThe otothersher may or may not have they’re 60 minutes from winning the minutes, with 20 of them Mayo Michael Solan Solan and Mayo GAA Head of competition, and Mayo will be looking team, it’s aboutut being able to grind out under-21 title. Doing the double can only withwith MikeDaniel Finnerty Carey coming in the opening half. on Saturday’s fi nal Medical, Dr Seán Moffatt. for another huge performance from him. wins. You wantnt to see playersplayers tatakeke on help Mayo’s chances of making the sen- But he can’t do it on his own. leadership roles,les, puputtingtting ththeireir hahandsnds TALENT James Carr ior breakthrough in the long run.

4 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 5 and I enjoy it. I’m playing on THE EARLY DAYS have prepared for those sce- To see what the win meant to the right wing. OF 2006 narios and been less hasty. Mayo people was very, very spe- When we end up moving I REMEMBER a challenge game It’s an All-Ireland Final but you cial. The joy on their faces is home, it’ll be hard to choose early that year in Castlebar when still have to pick the ball prop- something I’ll never forget. From up here between Gaelic and the soc- a row broke out, and Henry erly, protect it, use it well, and My own family too, they’re the cer! McLoughlin ended up on his do the simple things properly. ones that are with you through own with one of their lads. You have to break it down to the the good times and the bad times, HIS LAST GAME After the match we were told simple tasks. and it meant an awful lot to FOR MAYO in no uncertain terms, that wasn’t them. THE Connacht championship to happen again. If anything hap- NOEL CONNELLY When we went into the dress- to Down Under I’ll never forget game against London in 2011 pened to any one guy, then we AND PAT HOLMES ing-room to celebrate, I remem- didn’t go to plan with me play- were all to back them up. We THEY worked well together. ber certain guys thinking of the the joy on ing as a sweeper. were in this together. That was Connelly got behind every signifi cance of what we’d done. I didn’t play again for Mayo a moment that sticks out in my player individually and revved They had match programmes “people’s faces that summer because of injuries mind. them up. That sort of passion and were getting everybody to and a lack of form as it turned Another one was our first rippled through the team. sign them, and jerseys too. to The Mayo News about life away every three months or so out. Nobody would like to fi n- championship match against At that stage of our lives, there Now here we are ten years Trevor Howley won an and work in Australia, how his to Asia to recharge the batter- ish up their career that way, but Leitrim, when Michael Conroy were moments when Connelly later. Mayo career fi nished up, and ies. I’ve made my peace with it now got a belt in the nose. He had to was great to get the blood boil- under 21 medal in 2006 the magic memories of that There’s no doubt that waking and moved on. be taken off and we were in a ing before a game. ADVICE FOR THIS All-Ireland under 21 success. up every morning and seeing The way the game had devel- real battle at half-time. You knew when he spoke that MAYO TEAM the sun shining is good for the oped, and the professionalism Mickey made an incredible he was the Real McCoy. He had I’D say, enjoy the occasion, mis- local Darwin soccer team, and GOING TO AUSTRALIA body and the mind. and commitment that was speech that day. I think he may words and triggers that he used takes will happen, you can only Interviewview the aspiring golfer. WE came out in November of required in terms of training, have even shed a tear. He basi- to get us going. control what you can control. MIKE FINNERTYRTY How times have changed for 2011 and the plan was to do six PLAYING FOOTBALL recovery, rest, diet, getting to cally told us that there was no Pat was the organiser and made Don’t be too anxious, just take a Gaelic footballer that played months to a year of travelling OUT THERE the gym and so on, I just wasn’t way we were going to lose. And sure we were set up properly as it on and enjoy it. This is a great the game with such passion and around Australia and Asia. We I GOT involved with a GAA able to tick all of those boxes we didn’t. a team. Like when Cork went group of lads and a great group ferocity that he picked up the were going to go back to reality club in Perth in 2012 and 2013, the way they needed to be. We bonded and got harder as down to fourteen men in the of footballers. Just go out and E lives in Australian’s nickname ‘The Hitman’ along then after that. I was actually recruited by Fin- For the guys who were able a group with every game we fi nal, our sweeper worked very perform. Northern Territory the way. We travelled from November tan Ruddy. It was very com- to do it, and are reaping the played. well tactically for us, and all the now but his All-Ire- An hour last week spent in to January, landed in Perth, got petitive, a very good standard, rewards since, I have nothing subs that came on contributed. land under 21 medal conversation with Trevor How- jobs, and we’ll be in Australia and Perth was going through a but admiration for them. They THE ALL-IRELAND It was a real collective effort. FACTFILE His framed and hangs ley was both insightful and fi ve years this November. huge infl ux of Irish backpack- deserve everything they get. FINAL EXPERIENCE I had huge admiration and Name: Trevor Howley on the wall of the Howley fam- refreshing, and it proved one We think about going home ers and workers at the time. AS games go, I wasn’t overly respect for both of them. Age: 30 ily home in Belass, Foxford. thing: you can take the man every year to be honest. Both There were fi ve or six clubs, a HIS U-21 ALL-IRELAND happy with my own perform- Lives: Darwin, Australia A sense of adventure and from Mayo, but nothing will of us are working on the same big gang of Mayo lads involved, I CAN’T believe that it’s been ance. There’s a lot of space in MAGIC MEMORIES From: Foxford wanderlust brought Trevor ever take Mayo from the man. project here, and we’ve got our so it was great. ten years. It’s a long time. Ennis and I remember wanting THERE isn’t one specifi c moment Club: Knockmore Howley and his girlfriend, Now an Australian citizen, residency and citizenship. We’re Here in Darwin there’s only It probably is a little bit more so badly to win the fi rst ball. But but things like the fi nal whistle, Occupation: Electrician/ Marina Lacken, to Australia Howley intends to return home just waiting now for the cere- one club, the Darwin Sham- signifi cant and special for me I was a bit hasty and John Hayes, lifting the trophy, looking out at maintenance manager four and a half years ago. Work to Ireland sooner rather than mony to get our Australian rocks, so no competitive games. now because of where I’m liv- my man, managed to beat me to the sea of green and red on the Did you know? Trevor has kept them there since. later, once the right job catches passports. Because of that I started play- ing. But there’s such a strong it and get away from me. Luckily pitch when we were in the stand, played at right corner- Back here he was known as his eye. He misses his family, That was a big ticket issue for ing soccer and have been at that bond between all of the players I got back to put in a tackle and stopping off in Ballindine... Even back on the Mayo under the Knockmore and Mayo foot- and would love to fi nish out his us really. for the last three seasons. who played in 2006. We’re joined he hit the crossbar but I was too hearing the updates on Mid West 21 team that won the baller, down there he’s the elec- playing career with Knockmore We’re working hard, six days It’s a decent standard, you get by what happened that year. eager at times that day. about the homecoming and All-Ireland in 2006. trician, the right-winger on the ‘before the body goes’. He spoke a week, and we might get a week to meet people and make friends, SUNSHINE FOOTBALLER Trevor Howley is pictured soaking up the rays in Australia. Later on in my career I would where we were going next!

SEAMUS O’SHEA JOE DILLON He made his Mayo senior championship debut in bench in Ennis to help get Mayo home in front. BREAFFY BALLAGHADERREEN 2008, and is currently a member of Stephen He now lives in Birmingham where he works as Where are they now? THOUGH injury curtailed his involvement for the THE team’s centre-half forward was the perfect Rochford’s squad. an electrician. Mayo minors in 2005, O’Shea had the physique foil to the freestyling duo of Campbell and He lives in and works as a teacher in and self-belief to hit the ground running at under Kilcoyne either side of him. Ballinasloe. 21. Dillon worked hard, won breaks, and linked the KEVIN COSTELLO He made his senior championship debut against play effectively. He was the quintessential ‘team CARRAMORE debut for Mayo in 2009 against New York at Sligo in 2010 and became a regular starter under player’. MARCUS HANNICK THE current Hollymount/Carramore captain Ten years on, we centre-half back. James Horan. His career was hampered by injuries, but he won KILLALA works on the family farm and was one of the main Howley played his last game for Mayo as a O’Shea lives in Dublin where he works as an Mayo SFC medals with Ballagh’ in 2008 and THE under-rated full-forward contributed fi ve reasons his club won both the Mayo and check in on Mayo’s sweeper against London in the 2011 Connacht assistant underwriter with IronShore. 2012. points during Mayo’s fi ve-game run to the Connacht Intermediate championship titles last championship. He is a national school teacher in Tooreen. All-Ireland crown, and was an important part of season. All-Ireland winning He emigrated to Australia the following Novem- the team’s strong, solid spine. Costello came on in all fi ve of Mayo’s games ber and is now based in Darwin. He went on to win a Mayo junior club football during their run to the title, and hit a vital late point under 21 class of 2006 CASTLEBAR MITCHELS AIDAN KILCOYNE championship medal later in 2006 with Killala. against Cork. ONE of many Mayo players that delivered a huge KNOCKMORE Hannick now lives in New York where he works GER CAFFERKEY second half that day in Ennis, Big Barry’s THE star of Mayo’s sensational second half, as a civil engineer. BALLINA STEPHENITES partnership with O’Shea gave the team serious ‘Killer’ hit 1-6 that day in Ennis, including a golden ENDA VARLEY Feature HAVING played minor football for Mayo in 2005, ball-winning capabilities. goal, four frees, and an outrageous point from a GARRYMORE BABY-FACED ASSASSINS Mayo’s Mark MIKE FINNERTY Caff’ was promoted straight into the under 21 CHRIS BARRETT Ronaldson and Mickey Conroy savour the Moran had already made his senior champion- sideline ball. MICHAEL CONROY THE former Mayo senior forward recently team just a few months later. BELMULLET moment after the 2006 All-Ireland U-21 FC ship debut for Mayo the previous August, and Kilcoyne made his senior championship debut DAVITTS transferred to the St Vincent’s club in Dublin. He He was a revelation, showing all the attributes ANOTHER of the 2005 minors that made the Final. Pic: Ray Ryan remains a key panel member. the previous August and played for Mayo until the THIS was one of Mickey C’s fi nest hours as he lives and works in the capital as a secondary that made him an All Star in 2012. step-up to the under 21 ranks, Barrett had an He lives in Castlebar and works as an accountant end of the 2011 league. terrorised the Cork defence and hit three brilliant school teacher. Cafferkey lives and works in Galway as a Civil excellent season at wing-back. make his senior championship debut against with Allergan Pharmaceuticals in Westport. A serious knee injury in October, 2013 looked to points from play. He came on to replace Marcus Hannick that day KENNETH O’MALLEY Engineer. Although he has had more than his fair share of Cavan in 2007. have ended his career, but he has returned to All during that campaign, Conroy was playing out against Cork and scored a crucial late point. BALLINROBE injury problems since, the versatile defender has A regular in the Mayo defence since, the Castle- action with Knockmore in recent months, lining of his skin, showing just why had THE talented goalkeeper only conceded one goal been an ever-present member of the senior bar native recently announced that he intends to AIDAN CAMPBELL out in goal. brought him into the senior panel in the summer in the All-Ireland Final against Cork, and went on KEITH HIGGINS squad since his championship debut in 2010. go travelling. MAYO He lives in Dublin where he works as Media and of 2004. OTHER SQUAD MEMBERS to play senior league and championship for Mayo. BALLYHAUNIS A qualifi ed Civil Engineer, he lives and works in ALTHOUGH he didn’t score in the fi nal, Camp- Advertising Manager with Ryanair. He has been a regular in the county senior panel John Healy (Hollymount), Henry McLoughlin He also came back after suffering a serious THE team captain, Higgins brought pace and Dublin. bell’s free-taking, and ability to beat a man and since 2012 although injuries have stalled his (Crossmolina), Alan Joyce, Alan Feeney, John kidney injury in a Higher Education League match panache to the Mayo defence and mixed pick out a pass was invaluable all through the progress in the last twelve months. Conlon, Richie Byrne (all Castlebar Mitchels), with the University of in 2008. man-marking with lightning-quick counter- DAVITTS campaign. MARK RONALDSON He lives in Claremorris and is employed as a care David Prendergast (Tourmakeady), Simon Kenneth now works as a teacher in the UAE. attacks. TOM CUNNIFFE CUT from the same cloth as Mayo’s joint He made his senior championship debut the SHRULE/GLENCORRIB worker. McGuinness (Aghamore), Trevor Lydon (Clonbur), A three-time All Star winner since then at senior CASTLEBAR MITCHELS manager, Noel Connelly, Boyle was (and still is) a following summer under John O’Mahony and THE crafty corner-forward scored two precious Seán McManamon (Burrishoole) and Michael TREVOR HOWLEY level, Higgins has become one of Mayo’s all-time JUST eight months earlier, ‘Turbo’ played in tigerish, inspirational and dynamic half-back. played his last game for Mayo in London fi ve goals during Mayo’s campaign, one against SUBS USED: Divilly (Charlestown). KNOCKMORE great footballers. Mayo’s All-Ireland Minor fi nal defeat to Down at He went on make his senior championship debut years ago. Roscommon and the other in the All-Ireland THE teak-tough defender was a rock in the Mayo He lives in Ballyhaunis and works in Bank of Croke Park. in 2008, and has won two All Star awards since. He has recently moved to the English capital to semi-fi nal marathon against Tyrone. SEAN RYDER defence. Ireland in Castlebar. His explosive pace and athleticism was a big part A Garda based in Clifden, Boyle lives in Claremor- work. Against Cork, ‘Ronnie’ ran all day and clipped a CASTLEBAR MITCHELS MANAGEMENT: He went on to make his senior championship of the under 21s’ game-plan, and he went on to ris. crucial point. A POWERFUL half-back, Ryder came off the Noel Connelly, Pat Holmes, Micheál Collins.

6 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 7 SHARING IN THE MOMENT Mayo under 21 joint managers Noel Connelly and Pat Holmes celebrate after Cork forwards hold the key the fi nal whistle in the 2006 All-Ireland Final win over Cork. Pic: Ray Ryan The Cork View DENIS HURLEY

INCE Cork won the 2009 All- Ireland under 21 football title, the county has claimed fi ve of the subsequent seven Munster Schampionships in the grade. In that context, that next weekend in Ennis will represent only a second fi nal in that time (they lost the 2013 decider to Galway) has to be seen as something of a failure. All-Ireland semi-fi nals had proven to be a near-perennial tripping point. The current team have overcame that, and they will take heart from the fact All-Ireland under 21 wins for the county tend to lay the groundwork for future success. The 2010 Sam Maguire win was back- boned by the graduates of the success- ful 2007 and ’09 sides. That fi rst victory included future seniors like Fintan Goold, , , Ken O’Halloran, Michael Shields, , Andrew O’Sullivan, Colm O’Neill, and Fiachra Lych, all of whom would play senior championship – seven of them getting game-time in the 2010 All-Ireland fi nal win. Two years later, while the follow-on to senior wasn’t as great, Colm and Kevin O’Driscoll, Barry O’Driscoll, Ciarán Sheehan, , Mark Collins, O’Neill again and Noel Galvin When we were young would feature, with Walsh and Shee- EXPERIENCED Cork Peter Kelleher was the only player to who had scraped past Tipperary and difference, with man of the match Seán han making big impacts as greenhorns under-21 football manager feature regularly during the league, and Limerick. White netting on the three-quarter mark. in 2010. Seán Hayes is pictured captain Stephen Cronin has champion- April 7 in , Tralee Kerry responded but Cork had the edge during his team’s All-Ireland It’s a reliable benchmark, going back semi-fi nal win over ship experience – but they have moulded provided a pulsating encounter, and con- required. Memories of Mayo’s ents in bountiful abundance. town. Another All-Ireland Saturday night and, if truth be more than 40 years. Monaghan. Pic: Sportsfi le themselves into a durable outfi t, capable cerns that Cork couldn’t win tight games The semi-fi nal against Monaghan was And it’s because of them and under-21 replay against Derry. told, it’s not where we expected The 1970 and ’71 victories paved the of winning different kinds of games. were emphatically quashed. another shootout, but early goals from their team-mates we’ll ever The genial Eddie was Mayo to be heading when the journey way for the ’73 All- and six in Opening with a trip to Cooraclare to Sub Cian Dorgan – not named in the Kelleher and Ryan Harkin provided previous under 21 wins fondly remember a sunny May captain. He was sent off late in began. But if ever a team the 80s provided a rich breeding ground face Clare, the Rebels came through initial 26 but drafted in after injuries – another cushion which the cham- Sunday in 2006 when we saw the game so when it came to the deserved to be in a fi nal then for Billy Morgan’s fi rst successful sen- relatively untroubled with a 0-23 to 0-8, was the hero with a late winner when it pions couldn’t really pierce. Seán remain precious Mayo win an All-Ireland Under- presentation, GAA President, surely this team does. Their ior side, which saw Sam Maguire claimed ruthlessly quelling early signs of a Ban- appeared that extra time had loomed. O’Donoghue, Powter and Michael Hur- 21 Final in Ennis. , wouldn’t present wonderful All-Ireland minor in 1989 and ’90. ner challenge. Cork led by six points at one stage in ley – brother of senior star Brian – all They defi ed all odds and a few the cup to Eddie so as the pro- win of 2013 over Tyrone never The one outlier is the 1994 under 21 A week later in , it was a the fi rst half, but Kerry had a great contributed important points too and When he lived around these more besides to beat a fancied tocol of not presenting the tro- got the credit it deserved because All-Ireland, but even the graduates of lot easier, as a 3-18 to 0-2 scoreline evi- response and hit the front as Mark quelling that attacking fi repower will be Feature parts he spent a great chunk of and star-studded Cork team. In What’s phy to a dismissed player would their victory was overshadowed that side were unlucky, as they back- dences. O’Connor’s goal put them 1-9 to 2-5 in key for Mayo. Most of the play goes WILLIE McHUGHH his busy life manning the Mayo a county where we crave All- be observed. by the defeat of the seniors. boned ’ squad which It meant a straightforward passage to front early in the second half. through full-forward Kelleher and if he [email protected] goal. He was the last man stand- Ireland success in any grade, seldom is Beneath the podium a mini Kilmaine’s Darragh Doherty lost to Meath in the 1999 All-Ireland. the Munster fi nal, but the corollary of Cork had had goals from Brian Coakley is stopped then Cork can be – but, as ing in front of us and danger on what’s seldom is always won- revolt ensued. The fi rst howls was a star of that minor side and The current side doesn’t have that that is that there were fears that they and Seán Powter in the fi rst half and many found during the national days we stood on the terrace derful. A fi ve year old girl accom- always of protest were hollered loud had life spared him he’d surely much senior representation as yet – hadn’t been tested against a Kerry side ultimately the green fl ags proved the league, it’s no easy task. behind him. We fi rst saw Ken- panied us to Ennis to register by the legendary and renowned, be in the starting line-up on T’S a small world all the neth in the gap during the early her fi rst football offi cial outing. wonderful Cowboy Jack Holian from Saturday. But perhaps part of same where everything spring of 2006. What a way to start a crusade. Cross. his wish might be fulfi lled. makes itself relative. When Noel Connelly and Pat We watched the young Ron- The roars were chorused loud At the lovely eulogy he deliv- While essaying this article Holmes were charged with man- aldson we saw kicking a ball by the Mayo supporters. Vice- ered at Darragh’s funeral mass, Iup popped on another aging the 2006 under-21 crop it around a Dalgan garden become captain Ger Geraghty of Ballin- Mayo minor selector of 2013, Can Mayo’s unsung heroes hit high notes? screen a message from Kenneth was Kenneth they unearthed a man before our eyes. He tubber accepted the silverware Eoin Sweeney, told of a meeting O’Malley. Kenneth lives in Dubai when searching for a net minder. shipped every belt a Cork to dispense with the offi cial tag- with Darragh and his desire to or somewhere beyond the Emir- A surprise choice to some per- defence could lash upon him on ging, but immediately shared get the 2016 campaign up and ates now in a part of the world haps, but Connelly and Holmes his route to goal and bounced the hoisting of the cup into a running. where the sun is always high in knew what they were about. back for more. And when it Ireland minor victors of 1971. Fermanagh sky with Eddie Gib- On Saturday night his team- SHAROIZE AKRAM he has been improving with and his tour de force Operating in the the semi-fi nal underlined just tured at minor level over the the sky. A place far beyond a After only a few appearances looked like cruel fate might deny The year before Mayo lost the bons. mates carry the hopes and BALLAGHADERREEN every game in this champion- in the last quarter same sector as the what he’s capable of when the last few years, but could have Ballinrobe skyline where our he quickly established himself Mayo her hour of glory once semi-fi nal to the Kerry team Ger Geraghty later emigrated dreams of a county into another ship. against Dublin, dynamic duo of mood takes him. something to offer. It seems night times are the middle of as a capable and reliable custo- more, it was O’Malley’s safe who became the dominant force to Chicago and there’s a multi- fi nal. They are within a step of THE more we see of Akram in A First Year Sports Science Ruane has come Diarmuid that Boland’s name popped up their days. dian. hands turning away a Cork goal- at senior level. tude among the many that are crossing the threshold of glory. action the more excited we student at Dublin City Univer- good for Mayo O’Connor and FERGAL BOLAND on quite a few occasions. We never know where the We’ll recycle that oft-abused bound shot that saw us home. But Mayo ruled supreme in long since convinced Mayo And as we traipse the road to become about the prospect of sity, he looks to be the real every day out Stephen Coen AGHAMORE Fast forward less than six timepiece is set when convers- and over-used phrase to say ‘he And that’s how it is with fol- 1974. Players like John O’Mahony, would have lifted Sam Maguire Ennis we’ll think fondly of Ken- seeing him in action for the deal. His no-nonsense style so far. means that months and the talented dual ing across the great big cyber ticked all the boxes’. lowing the younger brigade. Ger Farragher, the late Richie in 1989 if he was domiciled in neth O’Malley in a land faraway. Mayo seniors some day. will be needed against Cork But the tal- Ruane’s efforts THE story goes that shortly after player has become a key man space that is our only commu- As did a neighbour’s child from Could we ever forget a Septem- Bell, Mick Maloney and Ted Ireland. And on every sighting Of Mark Ronaldson and all the A native of Haroonabad in too. ented Breaffy haven’t been their appointment last year, in Mayo’s game-plan. nication link with Kenneth up the Dalgan Road in Shrule ber day in 1974 when Mayo beat Webb, Ger Farragher, Michael or mention of Eddie Gibbons braves who wouldn’t be Pakistan, the Ballagh’ half-back midfielder garnering as Mayo’s under 21 management A brave ball-winner, a smart O’Malley now. But there will who was another star performer Antrim in the All-Ireland Final Flannery, Des McGrath and the it’s memories of the All-Ireland denied. has a serious engine, and with MATTHEW RUANE needs to fi re for much attention asked some of their established link-man, and a very capable always be a tangible connection in the under-21 van journeying after a replay in Croke Park? mighty ‘Tick’ Higgins became victory of 1983 that unlocks the And we’ll remember Noel the ball in his hands he knows BREAFFY the full sixty min- as they probably players if they could think of and confi dent forward. Boland deep within the footballing soul. through the 2006 season. It was the day John P. Kean of our heroes. mind bank. Connelly and Pat Holmes too. only one way — forward. BETWEEN his game-changing utes next Saturday if BIG should have. any footballers around the has been excellent so far. He is ever a sound man with a When it came to mixing foot- Mayo met John P. O’Kane of Other great days too. He’s another who has etched It would be totally remiss of us Akram was part of the Mayo impact off the bench against he is to fi nish an impressive Matthew However, his county who might be worth plethora of other fi ne skill-sets balling nous with raw courage, Antrim. Whenever we meet Eddie Gib- his name into Mayo under-21 to ever forget that great day of minor team in 2014 that reached Leitrim, his immense second campaign with another All- Ruane storming run and inviting in for a trial. Mike Finnerty packed in the suitcase he jour- bravery and determination, Mark The team was built on the bons thoughts wander back to footballing lore. many the duo gave Mayo sup- an All-Ireland semi-fi nal and half shift against Roscommon, Ireland medal. equalising point in Footballers who hadn’t fea- neys through life with. Ronaldson has all the ingredi- spine of Austin Garvin’s All- a Sunday long ago in Irvines- And south we go again next porters.

8 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 9 1916: when Mayo beat Cork twice! Can-do U-21s to succeed Feature PAULINE MURPHY Seán HIS year marks the centenary of the Easter Rising, but it is also 100 years since a pivotal moment Rice in the history of Mayo football. T And it involved two meetings with Cork, who’ll provide the opposition in next Saturday’s All-Ireland under-21 Column decider. The 29th All-Ireland senior football [email protected] fi nal took place on December 17, 1916 between Mayo and Wexford. It marked the fi rst time the westerners reached the S minors they freed fi nal. Mayo from a football Mayo’s journey to Croke Park began quagmire almost three with a Connacht semi-fi nal victory against decades old. Now, Galway in September 1916. Mayo over- A they are being asked came the Tribesmen by 2-6 to 2-2 and to come again to the county’s the next stop was the Connacht fi nal rescue, this time to bring to an against Roscommon. end ten years of under-21 fail- On October 1, in front of a crowd of ure. Mayo don’t do 4,000 in Castlerea, Mayo convincingly If anyone can do it, they can. beat the Rossies by 1-5 to 0-3 to claim Not just because they stalled complacency the Connacht crown and set up an All- Dublin’s underage bandwagon, “ Ireland semi-fi nal date with Cork in rolling on it seemed towards Athlone on October 22. But it was a invincibility, but because of the meeting that almost derailed Mayo’s character they showed in ditch- journey to the All-Ireland fi nal. ing the Dubs. The match between the Munster cham- Despite their dramatic win pions and the Connacht conquerors over Roscommon in the Con- ended with Mayo winning by 1-2 to 0-2. nacht fi nal, we had to wait for But Cork lodged an objection with Cen- time and claim victory again. ONE HUNDRED YEARS ON see what they had travelled for. but by then it was too late for the Con- the All-Ireland semi-fi nal to fully tral Council on the grounds that Mayo On a scoreline of 1-2 to 1-1, Mayo booked Members of the Mayo team As martial law was still in place since nacht men. appreciate the traits that have had fi elded an ineligible player in the their place in the All-Ireland fi nal for of 1916, pictured before the the Easter Rising earlier in the year, spe- Wexford took home the honours on a distinguished the underage Connacht fi nal against form of Ballina’s Bernie Durkan, who the fi rst time in the county’s sporting Roscommon. Only the cial match-day trains were banned, but scoreline of 3-4 to 1-2. Mayo’s fi rst All- careers of this Mayo bunch. had played in Cork earlier in the year. history. Some of the few hundred who players are named. that didn’t stop thousands from using Ireland fi nal ended in misery but, 100 Nine of their All-Ireland-win- GAA rules stipulated that players could witnessed the match later claimed that From left, back row: Bernie any transport necessary to get to Croke years on, perhaps their two victories ning minor side contributed to only line out for no more than one county the wild conditions suited the men of Durkan, James Reilly, Frank Park. over Cork augur well for next Satur- the drama of their contest with per season and, as Mayo had fl aunted the west, accustomed to such unruly Courell (holding ball), Tom Before the ball was thrown in, the Irish day. Dublin two weeks ago. We had that rule, a replay was called. weather! Boshell, Martin Franklin. tricolour was raised above the stand, given up hope for them halfway Middle row: Harry Hession, The replay took place in Croke Park The All-Ireland fi nal on December 17 making it the fi rst time the national fl ag MAYO through the second half when Pat Loftus, Tom Ruane, Pat Pádraig Loftus (Ballina), Tom Gibson (Ballina), on November 19 and the weather was, was played on a harshly cold winter’s Robinson, Martin Murray. was fl own at GAA headquarters. Jack Waldron (Ballyhaunis), John Eddie McEllin an interval lead of six points had to say the least, atrocious! day. Front row: John Eddie The game itself proved slow, no doubt (Balla), George Delaney (Ballyhaunis), Pat become a shortfall of four, and STANDING HIS GROUND Dublin city fell under a deluge from Dublin was under a blanket of frost McEllin, Joe Lydon, Tom due to the freezing conditions. Mayo Robinson (Lacken), Joe Lydon (Kiltimagh), calamity seemed inevitable. Mayo goalkeeper Matthew Gibson, Paddy Smyth, Harry Hession (Ballina), Frank Courell (Ballina, Flanagan tries to hold up the heavens and the pitch on Jones’s and even though straw had been spread clocked up two points in the fi rst half captain), Martin Murray (Ballina), Tom Boshell We should not have doubted Tommy Forde. Dublin’s Con O’Callaghan Road resembled a lake, yet it failed to across the pitch the night before the from Harry Hession and captain Frank (Ballina), Pat Kelly, James Reilly (Ballina), their mettle, and we won’t dis- during the recent All-Ireland Anthony Lyons (Swinford), Paddy Smyth deter players and offi cials who went match, it still managed to freeze over. Courell but Wexford struck back with (Ballina). believe when they line out in Under-21 FC semi-fi nal. ahead with the fi xture. A 2pm pitch inspection took place to four points, and by the second half they Cusack Park, Ennis, on Saturday Pic: Sportsfi le Unlike previous matches, where attend- determine if it was playable, but by then added three goals. to assume an even greater task ances reached into the thousands, only thousands of spectators had already Mayo’s only response came in the dying Pauline Murphy is a freelance writer from against Munster champions a few hundred braved the bad weather started coming through the turnstiles, moments of the game when Tom Boshell Cork who primarily writes on history and Cork in the fi nal. to watch Mayo take on Cork for a second and offi cials decided it best to let them kicked the pigskin into the Wexford net, politics. She tweets @RealPMurphy They won’t have had time to enjoy the pleasure that a victory fi nal last season, the Munster O’CONNOR WILL BE It might help, too, if goalkeeper marked man on Saturday. All the productivity of the unit, over Dublin, in particular, engen- champs are determined to clinch A MARKED MAN Mattie Flanagan entrusted his opposition is now aware of his and will be vital to Saturday’s ders because Cork looked even this year’s title by concentrating THEIR defence has not been midfi elders to win kick-outs. enormous capacity for work. outcome. more imposing in their win over on Mayo’s tender spots. Mayo’s strongest sector, espe- Short deliveries give me the Cork will employ every pos- Ennis is restricted, not the Monaghan. And Mayo have got Their scoreline in the semi- cially their full-backs, who creeps especially when, what- sible artifi ce to rein him in. most ideal of grounds for speedy 3 Cork under 21 stars to watch out for to iron out the imperfections fi nal bears a staggering statistic shipped some punishment from ever benefi t comes from them, In doing so, other Mayo strong wingers. that the ecstasy of their semi- in that every one of their total Roscommon and Dublin. They is cancelled by fast, vigilant points might be overlooked, Could be though that for a fi nal may have concealed. of 2-15 came from play. Not one have not yet met a combined forwards. Flanagan is a good and it’s up to O’Connor’s col- change it might suit Mayo, in Not that they would have point from a free. From all angles forward line that can kick so keeper, but one wonders is leagues to make hay while the the greater cramping effect it STEPHEN CRONIN slot into a very impressive caught the eye with his ball- the evidence of his all-action underestimated Cork in any they picked off points, most of accurately at speed. Yet it is an too much of sun shines, to avail of Cork’s may have on Cork’s speedy NEMO RANGERS under 21 half-back line. He is winning ability and sheer display, will take watching next case. They don’t do compla- them from the boots of Seán indication of their unfl appabil- an infl uence nowadays. concentration on the Ballintub- forwards, providing Mayo’s THE talented centre-half back also Cork’s captain. TARGETMAN physical size. Saturday evening. cency. O’Donoghue, Seán Powter, Ryan ity that against Roscommon There is no ambiguity about ber man to make their own backs with a better chance of Peter Kelleher made his senior championship He scored a goal against Hurley, a younger brother of They don’t fool themselves Harkin and man of the match when pressure was greatest, the the importance of the work of presence felt, and to leave the closing them down. debut for Cork last summer as Monaghan in the semi-fi nal Cork senior forward Brian, hit into thinking that the next game Michael Hurley. full-back line of Eoin O’Donoghue, midfi elders Matthew Ruane opposition with something to Cork is not like anything Mayo a 19 year-old against Clare. PETER KELLEHER and, along with big Brian Coak- three points from play last time is already won. They will have Hurley at corner forward was Seamus Cunniffe and David and Stephen Coen. They dove- think about. have met in the campaign so He was one of the few posi- KILMICHAEL ley, is going to be a handful in out but was also a constant analysed that spell of inadequacy imperious, and said afterwards Kenny held their nerve. tail impressively and much of O’Connor apart, there is a far. tives to emerge from Cork’s THE rangy full-forward fi rst the air for Mayo. threat with ball in hand. that allowed Dublin to command that what he liked best was to In the semi-fi nal, much of the Mayo’s stability and attacking capacity in the Mayo forward But the same could be said disastrous championship came to national attention He has scored 1-10 so far in the exchanges for more than a get a bit of space and take on pressure was soaked up by the fl air hinges on their distribu- line to be more penetrative than about Roscommon and Dublin, adventure, but a serious leg when he scored a goal against the competition for Cork and, quarter of an hour, when Mayo his man. Brian Coakley in the resilience of half-backs Michael tion. Play seemed to have they have been. and Mayo found a way around break last August meant his Dublin in the National League MICHAEL HURLEY along with the very accurate lost control in vital sectors, and other corner had a huge advan- Plunkett, Michael Hall and Shai- bypassed them for a while in Conor Loftus is creative, Fer- them. It will take all of their season ended on a very disap- at Croke Park earlier this duo of Seán O’Donoghue and the balance shifted. tage in height, and at centre roze Akram, but against Cork the semi-fi nal. But the fl ash of gal Boland tenacious, and in conviction, their belief, their pointing note. spring. THE number fi fteen was named Seán Powter, will hurt Mayo That won’t have slipped Cork’s forward, Powter’s searing pace they may need the assistance of brilliance with which Ruane Liam Irwin, Brian Reape, Fionán inventiveness to grind out the However, after six months He actually made his senior man of the match after Cork’s if given time or space. notice. opened up the Monaghan a sweeper to hold steady against engineered the levelling point Duffy, a physically strong front county’s fi fth title on Saturday. on the sidelines, Cronin league debut against Mayo at thrilling All-Ireland semi-fi nal Beaten by Roscommon two defence with ease leading to the combined force of the Rebel lit up the whole team. line. Subs James Carr and James But they are a can-do squad returned to action in time to Pairc Ui Rinn, and certainly win over Monaghan and, on Mike Finnerty years ago and in the provincial Cork’s fi rst goal. forwards. Diarmuid O’Connor will be a Kelly have seriously increased and I expect them to succeed.

10 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 • THE MAYO NEWS ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW 11 GREEN AND RED GIANTS The Mayo under 21 squad are pictured before the 1983 All-Ireland Final against Derry.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

THREE OF MAYO’S FOUR ALL-IRELAND WINNING SQUADS

GROUND BREAKERS Pictured are the Mayo U-21 team which beat Kerry in the All-Ireland U-21 Final replay of 1967. Front, left to right: Tom Fitzgerald, Joe Earley, Des Griffi th, Willie Loftus, Eugene Rooney, Jimmy Ryan. Back: Paddy Grehan (supporter), Seamus O’Dowd, Jim Smyth, Noel McDonald, Tom Kean, Christy Loftus, Willie McGee, Tom Cafferkey, John Gibbons and Martin Flatley.

TEN YEARS ON The Mayo panel are pictured before the start of the 2006 All-Ireland U-21 FC Final. Back row, left to right: Simon McGuinness, Henry McLoughlin, Michael Divilly, David Prendergast, Aidan Kilcoyne, Joe Dillon, Ger Cafferkey, Kenneth O’Malley, Seamus O’Shea, Marcus Hannick, Tom Cunniffe, Aidan Campbell, John Healy, Alan Feeney, Rory Byrne, Alan Joyce. Front row: Seán Ryder, Seán McManamon, Chris Barrett, Barry Moran, Colm Boyle, Keith Higgins, Trevor Howley, Mark Ronaldson, Mickey Conroy, John Conlon, Enda Varley, Trevor Lydon and Kevin Costello. Pic: Sportsfi le

12 ALL IRELAND U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW THE MAYO NEWS • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016