Mayo footballersGavin Cummiskey talks to Mickey Moran's trainer John Morrison about their plans for the Westerners
Imagine riding shotgun around Ireland with Mickey Moran. Never a dull moment. Just ask his innovative number two, John Morrison. An Armagh man who once managed Antrim, in recent times he has followed Moran to Donegal, Derry and now the beaten All-Ireland finalists of 2004. And 1996. And 1997.
Near the end of the interview Morrison's mobile rings. It's like the red phone in Commissioner Gordon's office.
"Howya, Mickey, can I call you back in a minute? Okay, thanks.
"That's Mickey on the other line there. He's in Dublin tonight. This is another new thing for the Mayo boys to adjust to. Rest is a huge part of our training. With so many lads playing Sigerson Cup this week we're not pulling everyone together tonight.
"I'm in Mayo doing the training, as I normally would do anyway, but Mickey is down in Dublin with about six or seven of the lads."
The two Ulster men have landed in unfamiliar surroundings this season. Bringing the good word to Connacht. There are also differences from the progressive conditioning of Ulster teams, although nothing drastic.
"There is a greater awareness up North although the others are catching up. People might have done weights in the pre-season, then stopped, but have now caught on that strength and power is a major element of the game . . . not only to generate speed but the muscle in your body has become your fuel tank.
"In future the Mayo boys will be like the Northern boys. They will maintain their programme."
On Sunday Offaly arrive in Castlebar. Morrison places huge importance on a victory here, to avoid tainting the achievement of last Saturday evening in Tralee. Beating Kerry in February failed to resonate around the country as the other two in the now "holy trinity", Tyrone and Armagh, were also caught out.
Morrison was more pleased with the reaction of Jack O'Connor. Championship pace, said the Kerry manager.
"I do believe Mayo, pound for pound, with Donegal and Kerry, are the three counties in Ireland with the most natural footballers. There is a lot of talent. One of the perceptions of Mayo people in the past was the best talent wasn't necessarily picked, so we have trawled the county. We were training 63 people at one time. We have since split them into a league panel and a development squad, which we are still training."
The most gifted footballer to come out of Mayo in this generation is only 31 years old, but Ciarán McDonald has packed it in. The sometime All Star, International Rules player and All-Ireland club winner with Crossmolina was last seen playing junior soccer for Snugboro United.
"The ball is firmly in Ciarán's court. I'm reluctant to comment on it as even the mention of Ciarán McDonald's name is a talking point in the papers. The exact situation is, we contacted him before Christmas and his philosophy was he needed a rest. He didn't feel that he would ever play again. We said, 'If you feel able to come back, ring us.' If he wants to, the door is open for him."
The number 11 jersey vacated by McDonald is now held by Ger Brady. Last Saturday the Ballina man kicked four points from play and generally gave Eamon Fitzmaurice a torrid evening. He even had his socks pulled up to the knees, though that has more to do with a rugby background than impersonating McDonald.
"He is very talented, very level-headed and open-minded. He's been excellent in training and had an excellent few games recently. There are two ways he can now go: believe all the hype or be a player of the future. We have a lot of faith in him."
Countering the absence of McDonald, the return of Ger's brother David Brady along with Kevin O'Neill ensures a decent blend of youth and experience.
"The wise old head always mixes well with the young hot head. Down through the years, it's become clear that young teams don't win All-Irelands."
Morrison could talk football all day but there's the matter of returning Moran's call.
Picking a team for Offaly. Organising dual sessions. Ever so slightly altering the mindset of a county.
