Connaught Telegraph Super League Team of the Year
WITH the Elverys Sports Super League season ending last weekend, we look at the best players in Mayo soccer who have been on show since March.
With Ballyheane retaining their title, they have the most representation of this team, along with runners-up Ballina Town, with three, with a number of other Ballyheane players unfortunate not to be a part of it.
Kiltimagh/Knock United made a huge impact after being promoted and have two players included while the other promoted side Straide & Foxford also have a player named, with one each from Westport United and Castlebar Celtic rounding out the 11.
Some of these picks were relatively straightforward while there was real food for thought in others, and with any team of the season selection, they’re to open to debate.
GOALKEEPER
In goal, there have been commanding displays from the likes of Stefan Hester (Castlebar Celtic), Emmet Peyton (Ballina Town) and Sean Nevin (Glenhest Rovers) but Gary Cunningham (Westport United) stands head and shoulders above the rest.
United’s last line of defence, his presence and leadership were crucial throughout the season and it was no surprise to see him called up once more for the Ireland amateur squad.
DEFENCE
At right back, Jack Rochford (Ballyheane) had another terrific year but saw his playing time curtailed by injuries. My choice is Brendan Walsh (Kiltimagh/Knock United). In defence and attack, he was an assured performer and was one of the big reasons for KK’s tremendous year.
The left side was a simple pick: Dara Ludden (Ballyheane). He has stood up and become one of the leaders for Ballyheane this year and in addition to his defensive duties, he is a major threat from dead-ball situations, with his outstanding free-kicks against Manulla and Glenhest coming when they were needed most.
At centre half, the standouts once again were Jack Tuffy (Ballyheane) and Chris Moore (Ballina Town). There may not be a better defender in Mayo right now than Jack Tuffy. An outstanding operator, with an eye for goal also at set pieces.
The veteran Moore also continues to perform at a high level and was a rock in Ballina’s defence following a slow start for the team.
MIDFIELD
In the middle of the park, the likes of Oran Groarke (Castlebar Celtic), Dan Purcell (Ballyheane) and Jack Mullarkey (Kiltimagh/Knock United) enjoyed some impressive seasons, but three men stood above the rest.
Sean Kilcoyne (Ballyheane) is a leader by example. Last season’s Player of the Year, once again he was the screen for the Ballyheane backline and there isn’t a better player in his position in Mayo.
For his partner, I have picked Kienan Smyth (Straide & Foxford United). A wonderfully talented footballer, he makes his team tick and is simply indispensable for his side.
Lastly, Jamie Cawley (Ballina Town) is a footballer who can change a game in an instant. Whether as a scorer or creator, he played a huge part in Ballina’s surge up the table. Had they not suffered their poor start, the title race may have gone to the final weekend.
ATTACK
In behind the two strikers, you could argue for the likes of Nathan Reilly Doyle (Ballyheane) and Johnny Cocozza (Castlebar Celtic) but I’ve gone for Cocozza’s team-mate at Celtic Park, Jason Hunt.
He has been one of Celtic’s and the Super League’s most consistent performers for the past few years, and arguably the most complete footballer in the league.
Forwards were a tough call to make also, with Darren Browne (Westport United), Jordan Loftus (Castlebar Celtic) and Aiden Dunleavy Jnr. (Manulla) continuing to showcase their ruthlessness in front of goal.
I’ve gone for Benny Lavelle (Ballina Town) and Jack O'Connor (Kiltimagh/Knock United).
Lavelle is the top scorer once again in the Super League and is surely among the all-time greats in Mayo.
O’Connor has had a sensational season and will be on a lot of people’s shortlists for Player of the Year, including this columnist.
Connaught Telegraph Super League Team of the Year: Gary Cunningham (Westport United), Brendan Walsh (Kiltimagh/Knock United), Jack Tuffy (Ballyheane), Chris Moore (Ballina Town), Dara Ludden (Ballyheane), Jamie Cawley (Ballina Town), Sean Kilcoyne (Ballyheane), Kienan Smyth (Straide & Foxford United), Jason Hunt (Castlebar Celtic), Benny Lavelle (Ballina Town), Jack O'Connor (Kiltimagh/Knock United).
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Young (Under 21) Player of the Year: For this award, I’m going for Mark Cunningham (Castlebar Celtic). He was outstanding on Celtic’s journey to the Under 21 Division 1 title and was a big miss for Celtic when they lost the cup final to Ballyheane.
Manager of the Year: James Costello (Kiltimagh/Knock United) and Aiden Flatley (Straide & Foxford United) have done tremendous work in keeping their sides up for another Super League season by it’s hard to look past what Ashley Stevenson (Ballyheane) has done and continues to do. Since he’s arrived, the club has enjoyed the greatest success in their history and with the conveyor belt of talent at Pat Quigley Park showing no signs of slowing down, the best may be yet to come.
Player of the Year: It boils down to two individuals in my view: Jack O'Connor (Kiltimagh/Knock United) and Dara Ludden (Ballyheane). You can make your case for both but my nod goes to the Kiltimagh/Knock man.