Well, summer’s finally arrived and very welcome it is too. It’s a glorious morning up here in the capital and the morning spin I had on the bike out by the coast earlier on was only gorgeous.
Speaking of weather, current predictions would seem to indicate that we should be reasonably okay for Sunday in Salthill. It can be notoriously blowy at Pearse Stadium, with the wind whipping in off the Atlantic but that doesn’t look like it’ll be a problem then. By the looks of it, though, it could be a fair bit cooler than it’s set to be over the next few days, with the chance of a spot of rain as well. Well, it is summer, after all.
Source: Yr.no
So it’s midweek and the coverage ahead of Sunday’s game has started to ramp up too. Here’s a round-up of what’s out there in the papers this morning.
The Irish Independent has an interview with team captain Keith Higgins, who reckons that our 10-week wait for a competitive match shouldn’t hinder us too much on Sunday. Keith also describes the rivalry with Galway as “healthy” and says that he has no problem facing Galway on their home turf.
The same paper also has a piece with former manager James Horan, who insists that his former charges will once again be strong contenders for the main prize this year. James reckons that the 2013 thumping is likely to prove more of a motivational factor for the home team this coming Sunday, as they seek to recover some pride after the mauling we gave them the last time we were in town. He cautions the home side, though, that we’re likely to see our lads “coming out of the blocks fairly quick” this year and that the team will be keen “to get a good performance down.”
The Irish Examiner also has an interview with James, which covers most of the same ground as the one in the Indo but which also touches on possible tactical changes in how the team will set up under Pat and Noel on Sunday. James sounds a bit unconvinced of the need for major changes in this area, noting that “one of the things Mayo were very strong at was their support running and that sort of stuff. It’s going to be a balancing act if they go more defensive, that they don’t cut off more of their scoring options as well. It’s trying to get that balance right.”
On the Galway side of things, the Examiner has a piece with Tribesman legend Ja Fallon who reckons that the derby feel of old has gone from this particular contest. Ja argues that while Galway might possess more raw talent than we do, they’ll still be doing well to keep the final margin to around three or four points. We shall see.
Over at the Irish Times (behind its leaky paywall), there’s the Darragh Ó Sé column that has already been mentioned in the comments. I can often take or leave the Kerryman but on this occasion I think he’s got his analysis of us and what Sunday means for us pretty much pitch-perfect. It’s essential reading.
If you’ve had your fill of reading then the Mayo News podcast (here) is, as always, well worth a listen.
Finally, just a quick update on getting into Pearse Stadium on Sunday. I got an email from the GAA season ticket people yesterday confirming that season ticket holders only need to present their ticket for scanning at the ground to get into the stand, which will be unreserved seating. Turnstiles 55-62 are where season ticket holders need to head to on the day. The County Board have also published some handy info (here) on arrangements for the day, including the park and ride facilities that will be available.
Interesting that Niall Heffernan thanks James Horan in his statement but never mentions Pat and Noel.
WJ, I note your comment about the e-mail to GAA season ticket holders which you received. I haven’t yet received the e-mail and I am currently in contact with the season ticket people to see why not.
Is there any other GAA Season Ticket holders who have not yet received the e-mail?
I should have pointed out, Young Fella, that I’m a Cairde Mhaigheo season ticket holder so I’m not sure if the mail I got went out to both sets of season ticket holders. I don’t know either if that’s relevant in your case. It was sent from the GAA Season Ticket email account, though, so I reckon it should have gone out to all season ticket holders.
I’m a ‘normal’ season ticket holder and I got the email yesterday to say you just need to show up with your card – no need to download or print out tickets.
Who will get the nod in goal Clarke or Hennely? Hennely has been very reliable since coming into the team in 2013 and is a better out and out shot stopper than Clarke with a more natural strike of a ball from kickouts. Clarke might have a big more presence though and maybe less prone to error. Tough call for management.
Cairde Mhaigheo
good idea at the time… For some reason, my first 2 attendances at league games, didn’t make it on to the system, so I am unlikely to make 60%. Shared some emails, but no joy.
Also, did anyone else not get their jacket?
I think Hennelly will start. He’s the man in possession and has done little wrong.
Clarke has the number 1 jersey
Mayo News podcast from Shrule well worth a listen sums up what Mayo Galway games mean to those who live on the front line & work over the border. Come Sunday you are either green & red or Maroon & white no grey areas
It would be very harsh if Hennelly doesn’t start, having watched both in the league Clarke didn’t do anything to push himself into the NO. 1 jersey unless hes been playing great football in training.