We’re into 2015, it’s already Sunday (just about) and we’re back at base having made it as far as Clare Island to see in the New Year. (The photo above, by the way, was taken on the ferry back to the mainland on Friday afternoon). And the football is about to begin again.
It already has, of course, with the U21s recording a decisive 3-7 to 0-5 win over Westmeath in the Hastings Cup yesterday afternoon but all eyes will now be on MacHale Park in Castlebar where at 2pm today the Noel Connelly/Pat Holmes era gets underway with an FBD League clash against NUIG (throw-in 2pm).
There’s no team news as yet – this is just the FBD after all – but, as has already been discussed in the comments, it has been announced that Keith Higgins will captain the team this year, with Cillian O’Connor acting as vice-captain. The Ballyhaunis man was, of course, captain of the U21 side that the current senior management team steered to All-Ireland success back in 2006 so it makes perfect sense for them to pick Keith – now a three-times All-Star, rightly recognised as one of the finest backs in the country – to skipper the senior team.
Best of luck to Keith, Cillian and all the lads and also to Noel and Pat as they set out on what’s likely to be an eventful time for them. Best of luck to the lot of them as they carry our hopes and dreams into another year of action, a year that starts in around thirteen hours from now.
WJ. Don’t worry. We already know how the year will pan out.
http://mayoclub51.com/2015-club-51-odyssey/
Thanks WJ for kicking us off once again.
Cloudy sky over the Reek there……. but sure it’s only January, who knows but come September there mightn’t be a cloud in sight.
Here’s hoping the rest of the year continues as it started yesterday.
Have great faith in KH in the captains role . I’ve always preferred a captain in the backs, maybe it’s just me but they seem to be able to control and direct the game better from a defensive position, that said we are blessed with the best of both worlds as Cillian has shown in the past couple of years great leadership forward of midfield.
MaighEo Abu 2015
Won’t make McHale Park but did make Tubberclaire yesterday. Some very handy young lads coming through. Val Roughneen fielded for fun at times. Sean Regan at CHB is a sturdy bit of stuff. Mid West carrying commentary or just updates I wonder?
Looking forward to seen what players are picked what shape there in.A good honest display from our lads will do for today. Hope rain holds off.
Convincing win by u21s against Westmeath with game over early n subs brought on. Brian Reape has goaled in almost every game I think in minor league or championship. Good to see Liam Irwin going well.
Looking forward to today. My first ever FBD game
Trevor, I’d say the usual suspects will be doing live updates on the twitter machine! Don’t know if mad whest are live there.