More of the same expected against Leitrim for Mayo in semi-final
TYNAN'S TAKE: By Stuart Tynan
MAYO are one game away from back-to-back Connaught finals as they continue their quest to defend the Nestor Cup against Leitrim tomorrow (Sunday).
With Galway beating Roscommon at Hyde Park, Mayo will have a huge challenge on their hands in the final. But before that, there is the matter of taking care of The Ridge County and judging from their form in Division 4 - finishing bottom of the North group without a point to their name – it would be safe to assume that it will be more of the same for the Green and Red this Sunday.
There was little to learn from the game against Sligo. To say the Yeats County's performance was poor would probably be a compliment. It was men against boys, and the gulf in class was plain for all to see.
This is not to say there is not positives to be taken. If you can score 1-5 on your first championship start for your county, as Knockmore's Darren McHale did, you are doing something right. He looked like a man who has been playing county for the past couple of years and this weekend presents another great opportunity to cement his starting place in James Horan's side going forward.
The performance of Aidan O'Shea at full-forward was also very impressive. There has always been debate about where the Breaffy man's talents are best suited. I have always felt Mayo have got the most joy when positioned far up the field and one would expect to add to his 2-2 tally against Sligo when he comes up against the Leitrim backline.
Mayo's ruthlessness must also come in for credit. We have seen so often over the years, and in Mayo's league campaign a number of weeks, that they have a bad habit of playing to the level of the opposition. So it was refreshing to see them blow Sligo away and keep them at bay, regardless of little resistance came back in their direction.
Leitrim, as mentioned, have had a dismal campaign to date. They did put it up to Mayo for periods in last year Connaught quarter-final, but the game was played in very tough conditions. Once Mayo settled and were able to get to grips with Leitrim's defensive tactics, Mayo were able to run out easy enough winners in the end.
One area of concern does remain in and that is Mayo's defence, in particular under a high ball. Sligo got some joy in this area and while Leitrim are not really expected to be a test for Mayo, you can be sure Galway manager Padraic Joyce will be quietly confidence his charges be able to exploit this weakness at any opportunity.
PROVINCIAL SYSTEM IS BROKEN
THE question has been raised on a number of occasions over the last few years, and it got brought up again after the margin of victories for Mayo, Donegal and Kerry in their opening wins in the championship.
Even though there will be limited attendance at inter-county games for the foreseeable future, you wonder what incentive there is for any self-respecting fan to attend a game knowing full well their side on their way to a one-sided victory/defeat.
The GAA really to pull their finger out and sort out the future of the championship. This is something that is going to get a a lot worse before it gets better.
*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.