by John Fallon in New York

Mayo captain Paddy Durcan said that their training camp in the United States this week will help sharpen them for a Connacht semi-final meeting with either Roscommon or Leitrim later this month.

James Horan’s charges made light of the New York challenge at Gaelic Park on Sunday when they scored a 1-22 to 0-4 win, having built up a 0-14 to 0-0 lead before the Exiles finally got off the mark before the break.

Mayo have remained the US, moving up to Rockland County for a three-day training camp before returning to Ireland on Thursday.

Durcan said that they have plenty to work on despite the facile win, but they are ust glad to have their 2019 championship campaign up and running.

“Yeah, happy enough to get a win. We know we have a lot to work on but to come here and get a victory is good and we’re looking forward to the next day.

“Conditions were difficult enough. The rain was pouring down for a lot of the game. It was challenging in certain parts but we are just happy to get a win now and move on to the next one.

“We know we are a work in progress and there definitely is a lot of aspects we need to improve on. It was nice to see a couple of debutants there as well. There are lads challenging all the time and it’s a competitive squad and hopefully that bodes well for the championship ahead,” said the Castlebar Mitchels clubman.

He was one of a dozen scorers for Mayo — all three in the half-back line hit the target — on a day when five players made their championship debuts.

Matthew Ruane, who posted another big display after his showing in the league, James McCormack and James Carr, all started the game, while Michael Plunkett and Conor Diskin came on.

“That’s been a positive of the year so far, the competition in the squad and lots of new lads coming in,” added Durcan. “You need that. That is a positive. Look it puts us in a good position, with lads challenging for training.

“It’s going to be a good couple of days now. Lads are going to be training hard knowing that jerseys are available for the next game. that’s a positive thing.

When lads know they are under pressure and they have to perform in training because there are lads coming for the jersey that only creates a competition within the squad. That’s a good thing.”

Durcan also paid tribute to the thousands of Mayo supporters who made the trip, their enthusiasm not dampened by the incessant rain as a crowd of over 6,000 made it the best attended clash at Gaelic Park since New York entered the Connacht championship 21 years ago.

“I have said it so many times, along with the rest of the players, it’s something we don’t take for granted, but the support is just unbelievable,” said Durcan.

“To come out here, the weather not what we would have liked, but they’re out in their droves again. it’s unbelievable to be part of the scene and have that support behind you.”

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