New Mayo captain is growing accustomed to his role
Newly appointed Mayo captain Jack Coyne has been growing accustomed to his new role in the Mayo team, writes Patrick Hennelly.
The Ballyhaunis man missed the Offaly game on December 21 due to a slight injury but said that training has been going really well over the last number of weeks.
Coyne, who follows in the footsteps of former Mayo stalwart and fellow Ballyhaunis native Keith Higgins, who also captained his county, commented: “We've had a good few weeks' training and the game against Offaly has been a great example of what we've put into practise. I think there was some good football played in that game.
“In terms of the captaincy, it's a great honour for my club, my family and myself. I hope to make a return in the upcoming games. The more games there are, the better – and it is good for players to play matches and getting the team connection going.”
Coyne said that there is a real energy and enthusiasm from the early days of Andy Moran’s management.
“In terms of Andy as a person, anyone who knows him speaks about the energy and the enthusiasm he has. It's just been that kind of energy; it's kind of infectious and it feeds into everything. As well as the enthusiasm he is very positive. I think the whole group have really enjoyed the last few weeks. Hopefully we can put a few more things from practice into the FBD League, and after that then the National Football League.”
Coyne said it is great to see some of the younger players adapt so well to training, and also that they are now getting game time.
“You need to keep bringing young guys in and in fairness to Darragh Beirne, he was excellent against Offaly, and a lot of the other guys impressed as well. For the group to go forward and to improve, you've got to keep adding layers to it.
“In fairness to the young players who came in, they've really added to it. They're putting their hands up for places, so it's really good for the group as a whole.”
The Mayo captain said that the players are currently just trying to get the best out of themselves in every training session and game.
“We are just trying to get the best out of ourselves every day in what we do. When the games come, I'm sure there will be targets for different things here and there. But right now, we're just focussing on can we get better every day in what we're doing, be it in training, be it away from training with our skills, different things like that. We are just trying to continually improve and get better as a whole group.”
Mayo's FBD League campaign commences against Sligo tomorrow (Saturday) in Fr. O'Hara Park, Charlestown, with throw-in at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale on Universe. Coyne has been named on the bench for the game.