A win that lifts Mayo out of the relegation zone, a performance to warm the heart and, above all, an important marker ahead of their championship meeting in June. Yes, Mayo certainly left their calling card in Tuam Stadium before a crowd of 5,000 on a crisp Sunday afternoon as the

While trying to remain composed and balanced in his post-match analysis, the frustration in the voice of Mayo manager James Horan was detectible. You can't legislate for decisions that go against you on the pitch and the Mayo manager got his first taste of what it is like to be at the

Following on foot of the news last week that Adrian Freeman will be out for at least a month with a hand injury, Enda Varley picked up a shoulder injury during Friday night's FBD clash with NUIG, which rules him out for Sunday's big meeting with Kerry in round two of the

Mayo retained the Connaught FBD League title following their well deserved win over NUIG in McHale Park, Castlebar, on Friday night. After a very even opening half where the sides finished level, Mayo took control on the resumption and in the end they were full worth their

Kerry come to town on Sunday but absent will be one of their regular players, Sam Maguire, who has been detained in Cork for the time being at least. Following their share of the spoils with Down thanks to a late Andy Moran leveller, Mayo will be facing the Kingdom in a buoyant mood as new

Reigning Connaught Colleges senior A football champions, St. Gerald's, Castlebar, and St. Colman's, Claremorris, winners in 2009, were both knocked out of this year's championship at the quarterfinal stage last Wednesday when they were defeated by St. Jarlath's, Tuam, and St. Mary's, Galway,

A defeat might well have sown the seeds of doubt and frustration in both the manager and his fledgling team but this performance from Mayo in the opening round of the national football league under floodlights at McHale Park on Saturday night was, if nothing else, gutsy and heart-warming.