Three changes to Mayo team for Derry contest
Mayo GAA senior football manager Kevin McStay has made three changes to the team line-up ahead of this weekend's round six fixture in the Allianz National League against Derry.
Ballinrobe's Aaron McDonnell has been selected to join the starting 15 in defence, making his league debut as he replaces Jack Coyne.
Other changes see Tommy Conroy of The Neale starting ahead of Charlestown's Paul Towey, while Breaffy's Matthew Ruane also steps in for Westport's Eoghan McLaughlin.
Another Breaffy great, Aidan O'Shea, is poised to make his 100th appearance in the green and red of Mayo at National League level during Sunday's match. This milestone achievement is a testament to his enduring commitment and contribution to Mayo GAA and complements the 84 championship outings already under his belt.
O'Shea made his Mayo debut during the 2009 National League campaign – coincidentally against Derry.
This will be the 29th league meeting with Mayo and Derry, with matters fairly even between the counties – 13 wins for Derry, 12 for Mayo and three draws. The first two league meetings were in the league semi-finals, with Derry winning in 1961 and Mayo in 1970, before their first regular league meeting in November 1970 in MacHale Park, Castlebar.
Eleven league meetings have been played in Mayo venues – MacHale Park four times, Charlestown thrice, Ballina twice, Kiltimagh once and Crossmolina once.
Stephen Coen of Hollymount Carramore will captain the team for the game, which will throw in at 3.45 p.m. in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar. All the action will be showed live on TG4, while Midwest Radio will have live coverage also as Michael D. McAndrew is joined by Michael Moyles for commentary. Mayo GAA will have live updates across all social media channels. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Mayo team in full is as follows: Colm Reape; Aaron McDonnell, Rory Brickenden, Sam Callinan; Donnacha McHugh, Stephen Coen, Enda Hession; Jack Carney, Matthew Ruane; Bob Tuohy, Fergal Boland, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O'Shea, Tommy Conroy, Ryan O'Donoghue.