Positions still up for grabs in Mayo GAA's championship crusade
by Martin Carney, Mayo's foremost GAA columnist
NOW that this year’s league has been put to bed after the finals in all four divisions last weekend, it’s as good a time as any to take a last glance over the shoulder and briefly reflect on what transpired through the season.
In the lower divisions, it provided an opportunity – gladly taken, I might add – for Meath and Cork to join the top hitters again next year by getting promotion from Division 2. In a pool that had Tyrone and Derry in particular angling for a move upwards, it was quite some feat.
Wexford’s last-gasp goal in their game with Westmeath that saw them move into Division 2 at their opponent’s expense was another remarkable achievement.
Unlucky to succumb to Down after extra time in their decider on Saturday evening, the target of consolidating their position in Division 2 next year will bring challenges.
I would like to have seen Mayo in a league final. Big game time, had they got there, in Croke Park is a vital component in a young player's development.
Had we reached that milestone, Donegal would have provided the opposition. I’m sure after what happened in round three of the regular season after the defeat in Letterkenny, Mayo would have relished the opportunity of turning the tables or at worst getting a performance that never happened in that best forgotten outing.
Then again, after seeing the way Donegal demolished Kerry in the decider, a bad beating, had that been our lot, could have had a detrimental effect.
So, before the championship takes to the seas, this is as good a time as any to look back at Andy Moran’s season thus far and offer some opinions on different aspects of what the new regime has offered.
One thing that is a constant with Moran is his energy, infectious enthusiasm and honesty in tackling whatever he faces. His teams have assumed these traits and their performances, with the Kerry game in particular the exception, have done justice to the jersey.
A greater emphasis on an attacking approach has reaped a dividend and it’s in this sector I’ve seen the greatest improvement.
During the 2025 National League, Mayo scored a grand total of five goals and 118 points. This year the goal tally more than doubled to 12 and there has been a moderate improvement to 141 in points scored.
The reasons for the improvement aren’t really clear cut. An argument that the rule changes are now in year two and so players are more comfortable with them is valid.
The initial uncertainty and learning process is now a thing of the past and overall, this year’s football scoring figures in football games resemble hurling matches more than they ever did.
A greater willingness to take risks is another notable feature this year. Over the course of the league, Mayo, I believe, registered a total of 20 two-point conversions. Impressive, no doubt, but more than anything it underlines the freedom evident in their play.
The down side of it all is that in some of their shots from beyond the arc were needlessly taken and brought no reward. Working on finding the required balance and consistency in when to attempt the spectacular will be a never-ending quest.
At the start of the campaign, the target of remaining in Division 1 and unearthing new talent were the openly proclaimed priorities. From the point of view of introducing fresh blood, the season has yielded much.
Never was the need for new faces as critical. At the moment, the last of that wonderful group that brought so much hope and joy to the county over the last 15 years are, with respect, near the finishing line. Ready-made replacements are a rarity. Unearthing new blood is a must.
The National League provides the outlet for experimentation. The process of getting those selected up to speed can take time. So far this season eight newcomers have donned the jersey.
Debuts for Jack Livingstone, Conal Dawson, Hugh O’Loughlin, Diarmuid Duffy, Seamus Howard, Eoin McGreal, Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne shone the spotlight on a group that in the years to come may become the cornerstone for the next generation of Mayo players.
Already, McDonald and Beirne have handsomely advertised their qualities. This may be a prelude to extended game time during the championship.
For a change, the positives have been harnessed by the forward division. Their attacking instincts have shone brightly.
On the other hand, it has been the performances of the defensive sector that have caused concern.
Once more, taking a comparative test, it’s worth noting that in 2025, Mayo conceded five goals and 121 points during the National League. In the same competition this year, that rose to 11 goals and 119 points.
Nothing noticeable or alarming from the points conceded side of the ledger, but quite an increase in the number of goals leaked.
Management had an obligation to give as many players as possible game time.
In defence, Mayo started no fewer than 17 different players in the league. Many played together for the first time ever in the competition.
Lack of familiarity with one another, in particular in recognising their new colleagues' strengths and instincts, can initially cause trouble.
During this ‘getting-to-know you’ period, it’s not unusual for teams to concede an above average number of chances; much more, indeed, than might be the case with a settled defence.
With the exception of Sam Callinan, who was ever-present, all of the others had limited periods of playing time because of the obligation of management to identify and provide match-play situations for the newly recruited.
Let’s be honest, replacing the likes of Barrett, Keegan, Higgins, Boyle and other like-minded defenders with players of equal calibre will take time.
From the earlier mentioned group of 17, Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, Robbie Hennelly and Enda Hession got most exposure.
As of now, though, the personnel who will comprise this sector of the team once championship starts is the one that is most difficult to predict.
On the cusp of the championship opener with London, there are still positions up for grabs.