The Mayo team

Meet the Mayo players

Meet the Mayo players

1 David Clarke

Club: Ballina.

Age: 27.

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Occupation: Garda.

Height: 6ft 2in.

Weight: 14st 4lb.

Has been on and off Mayo panel since 2001, but returned for replayed quarter-final after being out with a groin injury early in the year. A very good shot-stopper, he has great understanding with his midfielders on the kick-out, which he varies well.

2 Dermot Geraghty

Club: Shrule-Glencorrib.

Age: 23.

Occupation: Student.

Height: 5ft 7in

Weight: 12st

Had a difficult time against Cooper in the 2004 final, but did a better shadowing job last year. Lack of inches leaves him somewhat vulnerable to the high ball, but he is tenacious in the tackle and in attacking ball. May be switched on to Russell.

3 David Heaney

Club: Swinford (captain).

Age: 28.

Occupation: Quantity Surveyor.

Height: 6ft 1in.

Weight: 13st 7lb.

Leads by example and was superb in the first 20 minutes of the semi-final against Dublin when leadership was required. Always preferred to play farther out, but returned to full back after Liam O'Malley's injury. His battle with Donaghy will be key.

4 Keith Higgins

Club: Ballyhaunis.

Age: 21.

Occupation: Student.

Height: 5ft 11in.

Weight: 11st.

Captained last May's All-Ireland winning under-21 football side. Had a hard time on Alan Brogan in the All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin, but improved significantly when moved out to the half backs.

5 Aidan Higgins

Club: Charlestown.

Age: 29.

Occupation: Accountant.

Height: 6ft.

Weight: 12st 4lb.

An unsung hero, another to have had his career re-invigorated by new management after returning for the Laois match. Higgins' experience told against Dublin when he combined attack and defence, kicking a crucial point in that game. May pick up Paul Galvin.

6 James Nallen

Club: Crossmolina.

Age: 32.

Occupation: Senior physics technician, NUIG

Height: 6ft 2in.

Weight: 13st.

Hard to believe that it's 10 years since Mayo's greatest servant lit up Croke Park with that goal against Kerry. Has tired in some matches this year and was replaced against Dublin. Still an inspiration and his experience will be key.

7 Peadar Gardiner

Club: Crossmolina.

Age: 27.

Occupation: Bank Official.

Height: 6ft.

Weight: 12st 7lb.

Attacking runs will be a threat to Kerry. Defensive play has improved and he's become a more complete player. Often lays off ball when he should take his own score.

8 Ronan McGarrity

Club: Ballina.

Age: 24.

Occupation: Bookmaker.

Height: 6ft 5in.

Weight: 13st 10lb.

Apart from subdued display in drawn Laois game, he has been outstanding. Leadership, ball-winning ability and positioning for kick-outs have been top class. Man of the match in the Connacht final when Galway took second-half lead. Likely to pick up Darragh Ó Sé.

9 Pat Harte

Club: Ballina.

Age: 24.

Occupation: Student.

Height: 6ft 2in.

Weight: 13st.

Has made the position his own since he won his place at the beginning of the championship. Has great work-rate and is also good in the air, as he showed when he won a crucial ball in the final moments of the All-Ireland semi-final.

10 Billy Joe Padden

Club: Belmullet.

Age: 24.

Occupation: Town planner.

Height: 6ft.

Weight: 14st.

His place has come under threat as the season has progressed, but his work-rate, honesty and teamwork have always prevailed. More noted for his running and linking than score-taking, but he will take his marker on a tour of Croke Park.

11 Ger Brady

Club: Ballina.

Age: 26.

Occupation: Sports coach.

Height: 6ft 1in.

Weight: 13st 7lb.

Runs at the heart of opposing defences, which has been his hallmark play this year - but he also scored two brilliant points at crucial stages of the All-Ireland semi-final. Has added strength and physique to an attack that had a lot of light, pacy players.

12 Alan Dillon

Club: Ballintubber.

Age: 23.

Occupation: Validation engineer.

Height: 5ft 10in.

Weight: 12st.

Effectively the man who makes it all come together up front with his ceaseless and unselfish running for his team-mates. Brilliant in semi-final and is also very accurate from play and frees. His scheduled battle with Tomás Ó Sé will be intriguing.

13 Ciarán McDonald

Club: Crossmolina.

Age: 30.

Occupation: Construction foreman.

Height: 6ft.

Weight: 13st.

Regardless of his jersey number, he will be at the centre of things in Mayo's attack. Ironically, McDonald benefited against Dublin when less ball was played through him because of other attacking options, but he was devastating in his scoring contributions.

14 Conor Mortimer

Club: Shrule-Glencorrib.

Age: 23.

Occupation: Student.

Height: 5ft 11in.

Weight: 12st.

Definitely his best season so far in a Mayo jersey, Mortimer has shown improved physical strength and ball-winning ability. Clinical from pressure frees against Galway and Laois, he also has a score to settle with Tom O'Sullivan who shut him out in the 2004 All-Ireland final.

15 Kevin O'Neill

Club: Na Fianna.

Age: 34.

Height: 6ft 2in.

Weight: 13st 7lb.

Many Mayo supporters are wondering where he has been since winning an All-Star in 1993. Has made an enormous contribution this season with pinpoint passing and setting up crucial scores. His experience will be crucial tomorrow.