Minor
mission
Sligo vs
Mayo
Saturday 11th April,
Enniscrone 5.30pm
Cathal Mullaney
Saturday
brings about a somewhat unique opportunity for Sligo’s under-18 team – the
chance to claim provincial silverware.
At
a grade where Sligo has been starved of success over the years, a win over Mayo
this Saturday wouldn’t make up for all the heartbreak in years gone by, but it
would be a welcome change from a barren past which could now be about to
transform into a bright future.
Aidan
Rooney’s side meet Mayo in the final round of the Connacht Minor League knowing
that a win will result in a first provincial title for a county minor team for
some time. Having won three of their four games to date, Sligo come into the
tie in good form, but will know that a win this weekend is all that will do.
Having
recorded their highest total to date in the competition last weekend – 2-14
against Longford in Markievicz Park – Sligo know that, with potent forwards,
along with an industrious midfield and a mean defence, they can compete with
any team they come up against.
The
seamless reintegration of the Summerhill College contingent into the fold
following their Connacht Colleges exploits has further strengthened the panel,
with a total of 24 players seeing game time throughout the campaign to date.
Without question, this emphasises the strength-in-depth the squad now
possesses.
While
Mayo will prove to be a formidable challenge at Quiagbar, Sligo’s performance
levels have improved with every game and they will expect to continue that
trend with another strong display at the seaside venue.
Although
the impending championship campaign has been long identified as the key
competition for this side, any game in which silverware is on offer becomes
important.
Silverware
has been conspicuous by its absence for talented minor teams over the years –
hopefully, Saturday can harbour a new era where silverware becomes the norm.
Sligeach
abú.