Championship 2006 news: Like their opponents Kerry, Mayo make one change for Sunday's All-Ireland football final at Croke Park. The experienced Kevin O'Neill, who played so effectively in the semi-final win over Dublin, comes into the side at right corner forward as a direct replacement for Michael Conroy. At 34, he will be the oldest player on the field next Sunday.
The change isn't unexpected. Conroy, who as a 19-year-old in 2004 scored 1-1 after coming on as a replacement, returned to the first 15 for the quarter-final replay against Laois after a period out of favour. Starting at left corner forward, he failed to register a major impression in the semi-final against Dublin and made way for O'Neill halfway through the match.
O'Neill's performance was a central influence on the historic victory over Dublin. As soon as he came into the team, Dublin's full-back line was in trouble and O'Neill kicked two points and used the ball cleverly, including for the final pass kicked into Andy Moran for the goal that turned the match.
Although he has been around the intercounty scene for quite a while - having been chosen as an All Star in 1993 - during which time Mayo have played in four All-Irelands, including the 1996 replay, O'Neill hasn't yet started in a final.
He did appear as a replacement in the 1996 draw but was left off the panel for the replay. A year later after playing himself back into favour he missed the final against Kerry because of a broken leg.
The only ever-present player at this level entering the county's fourth final in 11 years is centre back James Nallen, although David Brady is listed among the replacements and, given his impact on the Dublin centrefield, must be favoured to make an appearance at some stage.
Compared to the final of two years ago, Mayo are showing a sizeable seven changes. Goalkeeper David Clarke, successful under-21 captain Keith Higgins, his namesake Aidan at right wing back, centrefielder Pat Harte, wing forward Billy Joe Padden, centre forward Ger Brady and O'Neill played no role in 2004.
This is a radical revision compared to their opponents, who field only three newcomers - Tommy Griffin, Seán O'Sullivan and Kieran Donaghy.
MAYO SUBSTITUTES (probable)
John Healy (Ballina), Pat Kelly (Garda), Trevor Howley (Knockmore), Liam O'Malley (Burrishoole), James Gill (Westport), Barry Moran (Castlebar), Andy Moran (Ballaghaderreen), Aidan Kilcoyne (Knockmore), Austin O'Malley (Louisburgh), Michael Conroy (Davitts), Barry Regan (Ballaghaderreen), Stephen Carolan (Belmullet), Trevor Mortimer (Shrule-Glencorrib), Colm Lyons (Breaffy), David Brady (Ballina).
