MAYO FOOTBALL:JOHN O'MAHONY says he's confident Aidan O'Shea will be "central to Mayo's plans in 2010" despite the teenage player's imminent Aussie Rules trials.
O'Shea, who made a massive impact in his first season in senior inter-county football, departs for Melbourne on Sunday, to undergo scrutiny by the Richmond and Western Bulldogs clubs.
"Aidan has spoken to me about the Aussie Rules trials, so I'm very familiar with his plans," explained O'Mahony. "But he has fully committed to Mayo for 2010, and will be central to our plans. In fact, as well as assuring usthat he will be available for the league and championship, we will also be able to call on him for the FBD League.
"Aidan had a wonderful debut season in 2009, and naturally we're delighted that he will also be available for 2010.
"As well as his playing ability, Aidan has tremendous commitment, passion and love for Mayo football."
The Mayo boss revealed the Breaffy clubman had two options regarding the timing of his Aussie trials: "Aidan had the choice of going to Australia either this month or next July, but, of course, if he had chosen July 2010, that would have interfered with his availability for next year's championship.
In addition, O'Mahony disclosed that O'Shea had delayed the timing of his departure to Melbourne in order to facilitate his club, who are are due to play a county under-21 football championship semi-final against Castlebar this weekend.
