Matthew stood tall for Mayo when it was needed most of all

The Connaught Telegraph Young Sports Star of the Year, No. 7

 

Matthew Ruane (Gaelic Football)

 

MAYO’S Under 21 footballers blazed a magnificent trail in 2016 when they went on to claim the All-Ireland title.

That may never have happened had they not turned things around when they looked defeat in the eye against Roscommon in the Connaught final, which was played in Markievicz Park in Sligo.

It was a game in which the character and resolve of this group of players was fully tested but when leaders were needed to step forward to help the Mayo cause, none stood taller than midfielder Matthew Ruane, who turned in a man of the match performance and the Breaffy man continued his good form in both the All-Ireland semi-final and final.

He is likely to be among a number of these Under 21s who will make the step up to senior grade for Mayo in the coming year.