Mayo should see off Sligo, but not without a scare or two
TYNAN'S TAKE: By Stuart Tynan
Following their successful return to Division 1, Mayo now get their latest quest for Sam Maguire to cross the Mayo border underway when they travel to Markevicz Park to face Sligo in the opening round of the Connaught championship.
On the surface of things, this should be fairly straightforward. Mayo have secured their place back among the elite for next season's National Football league while Sligo endured a fairly torrid time in Division 4, following a heavy defeat to Wexford in the Division 4 shield and winning only once in the group stages against Leitrim.
But there are couple of reasons why this might not be the stroll many will be expecting. Firstly, league form can go out the window when it come to championship. With it being another straight knockout format, there is certainly going to be a few shocks around the provinces (bar Leinster) and in regards to our own, Mayo have developed a particularly irritating habit of playing to the level of the opposition and if Mayo continue this habit, they may find themselves dragged into a real battle.
Secondly, you only have to back to Mayo and Sligo's previous meeting in the championship back in 2017 to see that the Yeats County come championship time can be a different animal. Granted, Mayo won by nine points in the end (2-14 to 0-11), but it was a very competitive game throughout and Mayo only lead by three points going into the last five minutes. A late flurry of scores and a goal from Cillian O'Connor made the result a lot mor flattering than it probably should have.
Cillian's absence for the summer with an Achilles injury came as devastating news for the Ballintubber sharpshooter and all Mayo supporters. Firstly for Cillian, who looked as good as he ever has done last year in Mayo's run to the All-Ireland final, to suffer an injury like this is devastating news. He had an injury-hit couple of seasons before last year so to pick up a serious injury like this is heartbreaking news and, at best, he may see action for his club later this year when the club championships get underway.
You could also feel the optimism being sucked from Mayo fans when the news broke last week. Any hopes and dreams that Mayo could end that long wait for an All-Ireland went up in smoke for many following the news and anyone I spoke to over the past week feels that if Mayo retain their the Nestor Cup this year, couple with league promotion, it will be seen as a good year for Mayo football.
But before any of that takes place, they must get over the line against Sligo this Saturday. Mayo's greater fitness, ability and experience should see them over the line, but not without a bump or two along the road.
MORE SHOCKS TO COME?
AS mentioned, with it being another straight knockout championship, there is a real chance of some more high-profile casualties again this year.
Some may feel that teams like Donegal, Monaghan and Kerry won't be caught out again like they were last year, but ruling teams out based on league form? Fool me once, shame on you and all that.
Reigning Ulster champions Cavan were relegated to Division 4 but they will give Tyrone on Saturday week a serious examination.
Kerry look the only threat to Dublin's never-ending reign as All-Ireland champions yet Clare will give them a stern test in Killarney this weekend. If you think otherwise, I suggest you re-watch the Mayo v Clare game a couple of weeks back.
The game of the weekend for me is in the opening round of the Leinster championship: Offaly vs Louth. It may not scream box-office at first sight, but it is counties with two of the most experienced men in management today; John Maughan and Mickey Harte. Both have won promotion to Divisions 2 and 3 respectively and have done very impressive jobs so far. One game to keep a close eye on.
*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.