The U21s’ belated start to this year’s North-West Cup ended in defeat this evening at the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence. Under the lights at Scarden it was the home team that came out on top, winning by 2-5 to 0-10.
Most of the damage seems to have been done in the first half when the young Magpies bagged two goals in as many minutes. At half-time Sligo enjoyed a commanding 2-3 to 0-2 lead and, although Mike Solan’s charges came right back into it after the break, the gap proved just too big for them to bridge, with the Yeats County holding on to win by the minimum margin.
That’s all the information I have, I’m afraid, on this one. Aside, that is, from the details of the panel for this evening’s match, which comes courtesy of Colm Gannon of the Mayo Advertiser:
The @MayoGAA u21 panel as per programme for this evenings North West Cup game #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/2AyXaTDwDc
— Colm Gannon (@ColmGannon) January 14, 2017
Things didn’t go my way this evening so I didn’t make it to Sligo but looking at that team it seems very experimental with several prominent names missing and more in the subs. I suppose that’s what the NW Cup is about. But considering that the likes of Matthew Ruane and Seamus Cunniffe were not mentioned either today or last Sunday I am wondering. Maybe tomorrow, which I’m afraiid I will miss too.
I would not be disappointed with that result. It looks like a great come back in the second half and that is important. Mike Solan found a couple of gems last year and I hope he has some luck again this year on that front.
Only 5 of the team that played Kerry in the 2014 All leland semi final there, A total of 13 of that panel less than half. Seven players who never played minor, including 3 of them on the fullback line. We tried out a lot of new players last year too and everything worked out in the end. Very strong bench maybe being held back for tomorrow. No Cunniffe Matthew Ruane Mikey Murray, Kilkenny or Colm Reape. Also the two young Westport lads that played last Sunday McMenamon and McDonagh are U21.
Poor first half was where the damage was done, great second half performance. Wouldn’t be to worried lots of players to comeback from injury like Mathew ruane, Ciaran Harrison, Seamus Cunniffe and some other main players left rested today. Looking forward to this teams journey.
Missing stars?? Let’s build from the foundation and forget that former players – even all Ireland winners – are automatic choices! Let them earn their places on the team!
agreed that every year should be fresh start for everyone especially with young players. Everyone develops at a different pace. Just look at the young lads that turned out last week for the seniors.They has been a whole host of senior players that never played underage. Nobody said bring back the minor squad from 2014. Last years Panel had approx half of the 2013 minor panel. They are missing a few key players, cunniffe and Ruane especially. Looking at the bench I see Sean of tighe a player who was last on a mayo bench in a FBD minor game last spring. So there is some surprise choices there.
Proud of our Mayo U21s!!!!! Great work in tough playing conditions!!!
Anyone know what the story is with the competition following Derry’s withdrawal ? Will there be a cup final now or will it be handed to team with most points (Sligo) ??
@45, I think I seen Colm Gannon from The Mayo Advertiser tweeting that if Mayo beat Donegal, they then play Sligo in the final.
One great thing to see with Michael Solan’s teams is that they never give up, they always fight right to the death. That’s an excellent trait to have in any team.
Who is the current 2016 North West Champion anyone know? Replay was never played last year was it?
@Mayo.Mick, I came across the report of the first game this year between Donegal and Sligo in the Donegal Democrat which said that Donegal were the current champions so I’m not sure what the story is there. Maybe Mayo and Donegal were joint champions after they finished level last year in the final or with them beating us in the group stage, maybe they claimed the cup when the replay was never played.
They said that alright, HSE (it was in the match report I linked the other day) but that wasn’t correct. The final was drawn and the replay never took place so they were, at most, joint champions last year.
I read recently on Donegal sports hub that Mayo refused to play a reply as they wanted to settle it on the night. Donegal played Sligo in the reply instead and won.
From the much respected Austin Garvans match report on Midwest radio
Brian Reape 0-6
Jack Reilly 0-2
Ross Egan 0-1
Kevin Quinn 0-1
He was impressed with Jack Reilly after his introduction at half time. He comments on our debutants was that some faired better than others with some struggling with the pace and physicality of this level. That Sligo looked the more balanced side and that Michael Solan will have the more work to do. He did say we miss some guilt edge goal chances in the first last. James Carr missing one of those. Nothing here is surprising as we started with only 3 of last years team. Plenty of newcomers making there first competitive start.
Eoghan McGrath Cill Chamois
Marcus Park Knockmore played in the senior championship final
Gerard Holian Balla
Sean Walsh Kiltimagh, played midfield on their intermediate team this year
Jordan Flynn Crossmolina.
James McCormack Claremorris, made his senior debut last week
also
Kevin Quinn Ballinrobe NUIG, played minor in 2015
Ross Egan Aghamore minor in 2015 and 2016
Sean Og Tighe Aghamore part of the 2016 minor league panel, didn’t play in championship
Thanks for the summarised report Mayomessi.
When I seen the teamsheet I knew it was quite an inexperienced team. Jordan Flynn, Eoghan McGrath and Gerard Holian I wasn’t familiar with.
Good scoring by Reape with six points. Glad to hear Jack Reilly impressed with two points from the bench.