Imperative that Mayo return to Division 1 next season

TYNAN'S TAKE BY STUART TYNAN

FOR the first time since the All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin, the Mayo footballers will take to the pitch for competitive action this weekend.

It will no doubt be a strange feeling for players and supporters alike to watch the Green and Red compete in Division 2 over the next several weeks. We have been used to seeing the likes of Dublin, Kerry and Tyrone square off against Mayo, but it will be Down, Westmeath and Meath that Mayo will have to get past if they are to return to Division 1 at the first time of asking.

It won't be a straightforward task, with it made that bit more challenging as Aidan O'Shea looks set to miss out on the entire league campaign. Not to mention against so-called 'lesser' teams at inter-county level, Mayo seem to make it very hard work for themselves.

Up first it's Down at Elverys MacHale Park and you only have to go back to Mayo's last meeting with the Mournemen during the 2019 All-Ireland SFC qualifiers to be aware of the challenges that lie in wait. That game wasn't safe and secure until the final moments; it was a case of 'job done' on that day in Newry.

Granted, it will be a very different Mayo side that Down will face this weekend, with the likes of David Clarke, Andy Moran, Evan Regan and Chris Barrett having all hung up their boots since then and Keith Higgins solely with the hurlers. Down's year, like Mayo's, was a mixed bag in 2020. Along with Cork, they were promoted from Division 3 last year but were on the receiving end of a stunning comeback from Cavan in the Ulster championship semi-final.

It is a huge game for both sides, and one that very much will shape their respective summers. Mayo's mix of youth and experience should see them over the line, but only just.

*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.