ALL-IRELAND SFC QUARTER FINALS: John Melvin on Mayo's quest to end their losing streak against Cork on Monday

Despite Mayo's poor record against Cork in recent years - defeat in the All-Ireland of 1989; a hammering in the semi-final of 1993; defeat in under-21 final in 1994; and defeat again in the semi-final of 1999, when they last met - there is a sense of hope that the tide may be about to turn.

The evidence for such hope is hardly compelling, given the difficulties both Limerick and Tipperary posed for Mayo on route to the All-Ireland quarter-final. However, the fact Mayo have really been left out of the All-Ireland equation will inspire them to serve notice that they are not as low down the rankings as some might believe.

Some big names from the past, and the present, have stated that this is Mayo's big chance to end a poor run of results against what some feel is an average Cork team inspired by Colin Corkery.

But the record is appalling and Mayo will be hoping to draw inspiration from the men of 1916 when they contemplate another meeting with Cork in Croke Park on Monday.

It was in that politically historic year Mayo last recorded a championship defeat over Cork. Their new soldiers of destiny may also find that the new-look Croke Park may be about to bring about a change in their luck.

Mayo haven't exactly enjoyed good fortune in the last decade - that bounce of the ball against Meath in the 1996 All-Ireland final has now gone into folklore as the day Mayo blew their best chance of an All-Ireland title. After John Maughan's departure, it was difficult to see who the new Messiah was going to be.

Mayo, in fairness, have gone through their fair share of managers. Current manager Pat Holmes came from a modest footballing background, a solid, rather than stylish corner back, but a man you could always rely on to do a job.

He was unproven as a manager and his credentials were questioned. He has, however, been very much his own man in deciding to rebuild Mayo. He did keep a few pillars from Maughan's past with David Brady, Colm McMenamon, Noel Connelly, James Nallen and James Horan still the foundation on which the current side is built.

He made the decision when he came in to call up some young players. Some have done well, others not so well, while others may yet prove themselves.

Conor Mortimer, one of the rising stars, has found himself on the bench since that jersey-throwing act of petulance after been substituted against Roscommon and is likely to remain there on Monday.

Holmes also took a gamble on recalling Kieran McDonald. It was a big call, and one that might well have backfired but, according to senior members of the team, McDonald's return, while not receiving a fanfare, has certainly been welcome in an attack that has tended to sit back and admire their early work.

But ultimately, Holmes has had to look to the wiser heads to map a tricky path through the back door of this year's championship. Brady, Horan, Connelly, McMenamon, and David Tiernan, have stepped forward in turn when needed.

Nallen's memory goes back far. He was a member of under-21 side of 1993 and was also involved in all subsequent defeats at the hands of Cork. He was, however, a key player in helping Crossmolina beat Cork side Nemo Rangers in the All-Ireland club final last year.

James Nallen believes the best has yet to come from Mayo. But he also believes it might need a goal to swing it on Monday, and goals have been few on Mayo's championship road, Michael Moyles's rocket against Galway standing on its own.

Nallen makes the valid point that the defence has not been beyond criticism -big scores have been chalked up, but big scores have also been conceded.

"We have put up big scores but we have also conceded a lot," he says. "Goals can change the outcome of games and we have scored just the one and I think we may need a goal to beat Cork.

"Our guys are taking points instead of taking on the responsibility. I think part of it is that they feel a score is better than no score. If you're one-on-one then there's a better chance of a goal than a point. There is a supporters.

"We had to dig deep against Tipperary (last week when they won by 0-21 to 1-14). It was touch and go in the second half and it was good to finish strong. We were fortunate to have Ciaran McDonald to bring back in because he added an extra strength to the panel," he said.

"I think we won because we believed we could, but it could have gone either way.".

"There has been nothing spectacular about us. We have put up big scores but we have also struggled to restrict the opposition. The team hasn't been been playing well but I think you haven't seen the best of Mayo yet."