First home game of O'Hora era for Mayo ladies
Mayo return to home soil this weekend for a significant occasion – the first home fixture of the Diane O’Hora era, and an early marker in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive LGFA Lidl National League Division 2 campaign.
There’s a renewed sense of momentum around the Mayo camp this spring. The opening round draw away to Cavan showed promise and with Wexford arriving in Swinford looking to bounce back from a round one defeat, Mayo will be aiming to lay down a statement in front of a home crowd – not just for the points, but for the identity and direction of this new chapter.
Sunday’s fixture will be the first chance for a home crowd to see how the new league trial rules translate on the ground, adding another layer of intrigue.
The occasion carries extra personal significance for Mayo captain Ella Brennan, the Charlestown native who will lead the team out in her neighbouring town of Swinford. It promises to be a proud day for both player and club as Brennan captains Mayo at home under new management in front of family, friends and familiar faces.
Mayo v Wexford is quite a novel pairing at senior level, adding further to the historic occasion. Their last documented league encounter dates back to February 25, 2008 – almost 18 years ago to the day. On that occasion, Mayo travelled to Enniscorthy and emerged with a hard-earned 0-13 to 0-10 win.
There's a 'full circle' feel to the Sunday’s game. Two Mayo young guns who featured that afternoon, Lisa Cafferky (who contributed 0-4) and Fiona McHale (0-5), are still playing for the Mayo LGFA senior team. Even more striking is the connection of Deirdre Devine, who started in goal (earning a clean sheet!) for Mayo in that game and is now the county’s ladies' football liaison office – a perfect example of the continuity and commitment that has sustained Mayo LGFA through generations.
With so much on the line even this early in the campaign, and with Division 2 offering very little margin for error, the hosts will be keen to turn home support into a lift. Wexford, meanwhile, will bring their own hunger. A county with a proud football tradition, they will be determined to prove they belong higher up the ladder.
For Mayo, this weekend is about more than a result. It’s about setting a tone. With a new management team, new rules and a new season, at last they have a home crowd to launch the new era properly.
The game at Swinford Amenity Park will throw in at 2 p.m. and will be streamed live for those who can't be there in person.
The Mayo team lines out as follows: L. Brennan; É. Ronayne, D. Caldwell, L. Wallace; E. Brennan, C. Needham, L. Hanley; A. Geraghty, E. Murray; A. Kennedy, A. Staunton, T. Needham; M. Reilly, S. Walsh, S. Delaney.
Wexford starting team is: S. Cloake; K. English, A. Tormey, K. Dempsey; J. Dempsey, A. Halligan, N. Cullen; B. McDonald, O. Kehoe; C. Banville, A. Hughes, A. Cullen; R. Hughes, G. Donovan, O. Byrne.