ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER-FINAL Mayo v Meath:FORM AGAINST momentum. A rebuilt Mayo, under John O'Mahony, that looked the part in Connacht against a Meath team which gained momentum – despite losing captain and marksman Stephen Bray to suspension – in their victory over Limerick last week.
Bray sought to have the straight red card he received, on 66 minutes, for striking rescinded last Thursday night but the Central Hearings Committee upheld the four-week, one-match ban.
The knock-on effect meant Eamonn O’Brien held off naming a team for tomorrow’s quarter-final. The combinations will need shifting in Bray’s absence and it could mean a reprieve for midfielder Mark Ward with Brian Meade moved into the half-forward line. Jamie Queeney, Shane McInerney and Brian Sheridan remain other options as starting forwards.
Bray’s absence strips Meath of a prolific scoring forward from play, placing greater emphasis on Joe Sheridan, Cian Ward and Brian Farrell to deliver. Really it should tilt the tie in Mayo’s favour.
O’Mahony appears to be learning from past mistakes with this current Mayo team. Trevor Mortimer has been rejuvenated as team leader while his younger brother Conor has been unable to force a way into the full forward line that includes Aidan O’Shea – a towering young player with unlimited potential – and Barry Moran, included despite continued concerns over a damaged hand.
Ronan McGarrity looks to be the dominant midfielder in attendance and the defence has tightened up.
They will have learnt something surely from conceding the late goal to Galway’s Michael Meehan in the Connacht final that threatened their progress until, that is, Peadar Gardiner popped up with a magnificent late winning point.
Well, the strike will never be forgotten if Mayo finally push into the upper echelons of this sport.
Meath should be dealt with before a Kerry team, loaded to the gills on good vibes, await in the All-Ireland semi-final. Meath will not fear that challenge, Mayo traditionally have faltered at the mere sight of green and gold colours. Not a concern for tomorrow.
MAYO:K O'Malley; D Vaughan, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner, T Howley, A Moran; D Heaney, R McGarrity; P Harte, A Dillon, T Mortimer; A Kilcoyne, B Moran, A O'Shea.
MEATH:TBC.
Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).
In the last episode:
The last meeting was played out in good spirits, if you exclude the early 27-man brawl that resulted in Meath’s Colm Coyle and – crucially it must be said – Liam McHale, being shown straight red cards by a young Pat McEnaney.
Meath won the 1996 All-Ireland final replay 2-9 to 1-11.
You bet:Mayo 1/2. Meath 9/4. Draw 15/2. On the handicap Meath are plus two at 11/10.
On your marks:Meath were stalling on a team last night as they sought a formula to cover the loss of Stephen Bray. Mayo's occasionally excellent corner forward Conor Mortimer will waltz into the fray at some stage.
Gaining ground:Squeezed between the minor and senior hurling All-Ireland semi-finals, expect plenty of entertainment for the football purist at Croke Park.
Just the ticket:The GAA Ticket Shop at 53 Lower Dorset street is open today from 10am to 4pm. Stand tickets €45. Terrace €30.
Crystal gazing:Providing the three-week gap hasn't disrupted matters unduly, and Meath don't prove too cute for them, Mayo should be provided a chance to go diving with the Great White Shark of their nightmares once more.
