CLOSE ENCOUNTER

It was another two point game, another Connacht final defeat for Sligo and an encounter that produced mixed emotions for both sets of supporters. A Sligo win was as likely as any result well into the second half but it would have been achieved as a result of missed Mayo opportunities as much as a good Sligo performance. Of course we would have taken a rare Connacht title no matter how it was won but the best team, not playing at their best, probably won on the day. The Yeats men did put it up to their neighbours and the Sligo defence in particular kept the team in the game until the last few minutes but the momentum was with Mayo as the clock filled up and time ran out for Sligo’s attackers

Ross Donovan was responsible for blocking several Mayo attacks that would have produced scores against most defences. The solid Sligo defence coupled with a string of missed chances from the Davitt men meant that there was real hope of pulling off a win against the favourites but it was not to be. David Maye’s two points, a 45 and an equally long range free, in the second half were the cause of a lot of optimism in the Sligo camp but it was short lived as a fresh pair of legs in the form of Aidan O’Shea buoyed up Mayo’s mid field and his 59th. minute score was the equaliser that spurred them on to victory. The Yeats men didn’t create goal chances to any great extent and when substitute Stephen Coen was on a mission and goal ward bound, advantage was not played and momentum was lost when a free was awarded to his side. 

The game did see the introduction of Eamonn O’Hara to active duty deep into the second half. Eamonn won his battle to be fit after spending months in the gym recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. He traded one injury for another, albeit less serious, nose wound which required a change of jersey (and demotion to30!) as well as medical attention. During his brief return to inter county football both he and his marker received yellow cards indicating that his passion for the contest hasn’t quelled during a long enforced absence.

A 0-5 to 0-3 advantage at the break with the aid of a stiff breeze wasn’t sufficient for Sligo and the first half in general wasn’t of a very high standard. Sligo did manage to get the ball forward on occasion, however the quality of some of the deliveries was questionable. While midfield battles were won the high passes were dealt with by a Mayo defence that was as alert as their opposite numbers.

The qualifiers beckon with plenty of reason to be optimistic. The lads have had a better Championship run than most would have given them credit for after a dismal 2011. Sunday’s result is a setback but not as demoralising as the last Connacht final defeat. Disappointed supporters will still be eager to witness solid performances in the qualifier matches and will hope that the odd surprise, that their team is always capable of delivering, will be part of parcel of Championship 2012.

ASIAN (BUSINESS) GAMES

The Education in Ireland initiative will be promoted by members of the cabinet in the coming months as part of the remit of the Asia Pacific Business Forum according to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. He was speaking at a GAA sponsored event in Croke Park recently as reported in Saturday’s Irish Times. The Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum was set up in 2007 by Irish Diplomat Peter Ryan. GAA Clubs were founded in Asian Countries by emigrants who wanted to keep playing the games and also needed a place to socialise. The Asian Games are now an important fixture on the GAA Calendar and Peter Ryan has long appreciated the networking opportunities that present themselves through being part of the Association.

                Peter has since been posted to New York where he is Deputy Consul General and his vision of nurturing contacts between GAA Clubs and business groups hasn’t dimmed with the move. When Sligo played New York in the preliminary round of the Connacht Championship in early May the Irish Diplomat played a key role in introducing the work of the Western Development Commission, based in Ballaghadereen, to key stakeholders in the City. The PRO of Sligo County Board, a Board member of the WDC was introduced to Peter Ryan by Larry McCarthy the president of the Sligo football Association and former Chairman of NY GAA: an example of networking if ever there was one!

                The trip was used to promote the “Reconnect” initiative which hopes to make business people living abroad who have West of Ireland connections aware of the opportunities now available in the region. This is done mainly through publicising the LOOKWEST.ie website and was greatly assisted in New York by the GAA community there.