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That's funny, I could swear there's more than a few clubs left off that list - or do the smaller clubs not count? 

It sounds like Kilcullen is our answer at full back.

Bit early for statements like that Bod....

Big night for new Mayo boss


TONIGHT marks another significant chapter in the well-travelled career of John O'Mahony when the Mayo boss oversees his first game for his new charges, WRITES PADDY HICKEY.

"It's the start of a new adventure for me, and that's always an interesting experience," commented O'Mahony, as he looked forward to a Connacht FBD clash with Sligo IT under lights at the Sligo IT complex at Ballinode in Sligo town (7.30).

O'Mahony, who has been buoyed by the decisions of veterans David Brady, James Nallen and Kevin O'Neill to soldier on for another season, has been unable to run the rule over most of last year's panel who have been on holiday in the Caribbean.

However, the party returned home last Sunday, and so a number of the regulars are likely to play. But some of the players who featured in last year's All-Ireland loss to Kerry will be absent. Ciaran McDonald (back) and Barry Moran (groin) are ruled out with injury, and Liam O'Malley, Andy Moran and Barry Regan will be involved with Sligo IT.

As well, the Dublin-based players will not be called on, and this means that Sligo IT will not have to contend with the likes of Austin O'Malley, Conor Mortimer, O'Neill, Gary Mullins and Billie Joe Padden.

Another absentee will be midfielder Pat Harte who is at university in Edinburgh.

I see that Mortimer was sent off for picking up two yellow cards in the first half of last night's O'Byrne Cup match....

One thing I meant to ask re: the Blue Stars v Dublin game. If it was supposed to be the best players in Dublin club football how come O'Neill didn't make the team? Bit surprising seeing as two of his fellow Countymen did.

O'Neill back in Mayo jersey despite rumours


VETERAN attacker Kevin O'Neill looks set to continue with Mayo for another season after lining out with the county team in a challenge game at the weekend.

There was widespread speculation that the 33-year-old - scorer of two goals the All-Ireland final loss to Kerry - would retire, but he played for Mayo against Connacht club champions St Brigid's on Sunday.

New Mayo manager John O'Mahony also gave run-outs to 2006 All-Ireland U21 medallists Mark Ronaldson and Ger Cafferkey.

O'Neill's veteran colleagues James Nallen, David Heaney and David Brady have also remained on board for the season as Mayo bid to land their first All-Ireland since 1951.

The majority of last year's Mayo squad were unavailable for the challenge match as they are on a team cruise in the Carribbean.

Navin has proved nothing yet

Bit hard for the guy to prove himself when he's never been given a run.  As I've said before, this guy is well worth a look and should have been give a run before now. If he's not up to it then fair enough but he at least deserves a chance. Let's make a call after he's been given a decent run during the League.

A few interesting names on and off the panel but I would bet that there will be a lot more changes before we head for Gaillimh next summer.

Anyway, it's way too early yet for this topic lads.....

Just to brighten your day

Mr. Waldron also confirmed that next week's county board convention (Tuesday, December 12, in Julian's of Midfield) will be one of the least eventful in recent years.


"There are actually no motions going before convention. I suppose the big thing this year was the appointment of a new senior manager so convention will be a quiet affair with just some by-laws to be ironed out."

So the status quo remains. As I've said before we get what we deserve.

Well Barney, I can only speak for my own club but there was no discussion or mention of anything relating to the County scene at our A.G.M., it focused purely on the club. Judging by the Chairmans comments, I can only assume it was the same with the rest of the clubs?

The Secretarys report will be interesting alright - the Padraig Nally case is back in the news, perhaps a mention of the Rossport Five as well this year for good measure?  If there is a reference to the Board you can be sure that it wont be singing its praises anyway!  One thing it probably wont mention though is the current fiasco with the Hurling scene - or the whole debacle surrounding M&Ms departure. Their will be nothing that will reflect the Board in a negative light.

Yeah, I knew that - sure he's fighting it out with his clubmate for the title of the eternal student! Some length in college between the pair of them! Mind you, Jim McGuinness would be in with a shout as well...

C'mon lads, club politics has always played a huge part in the selection of underage teams - this isn't a new thing!

Interesting of selection of Dempsey alright, along with the back room team. Hope it doesn't expand to reach the proportions of recent years!  Best of luck to them though.

Moyles was an interesting nomination - has he any experience with any club or college teams or was the nomination due to his retirement (although he has since played)?

AZ - I've missed about 2 or 3 weeks as well and am still midtable so you may have a point... 

I don't want to turn this thread into the Mayo Championship XV 2007 (plenty of time ahead lads for that, tis a long winter  ) but there's a few interesting opinions being expressed. Barney - no Heaney in your team? I feel he's probably going to slot in at number 6 next season although a fit Trevor Mortimer would be worth a look here as well, even though we badly need him at full forward. I wouldn't dump Nallen yet though, would be a good influence within the panel and a good man to have to bring on if needed to steady the ship. I've said it before but Paddy Navin has to be worth a look at full back, playing great stuff with UCD again this year. Why has he never got a look in before? Whoever said Ger Brady for centre back is way off the mark. One of the laziest players on the pitch, not a man to track back or throw in a tackle and wouldn't be aggressive enough for this spot. The new manager will obviously have his own ideas and I can see probably 10 or more from this years panel (including some starters) who won't be there next year. Finally, we weren't exactly blessed on the injury front this year so here's hoping for better luck next year. Anyway, like I said, this is really for another time on another thread.

As regards the next manager, best of luck to him whoever he is but he's going to have his work cut out. O'Mahony can't really stall a decision much longer now. If he does take it he's going to be under huge pressure to deliver Sam in 2007 which is ridiculous. The wounds of September will take a while to heal and I'd ask for whoever comes in to be given time. If he doesn't take it I think we'll be hard pressed to find anyone who will touch it with a barge pole - they know they're second choice, JOM will be the messiah in exile (still) and the way M&M were disposed of won't bring great confidence to any interested parties. I fear we could have a repeat of last summer where we end up with someone who wouldn't have been people's first (and more) choice to take over. There certainly wasn't much shouting on this board anyway. Here's hoping for a decision soon.....