by John Fallon

Mayo returned home yesterday (THURS) from the United States with five players having tasted championship football for the first time last weekend but manager James Horan said there is still a big part to be played by veterans such as Andy Moran in his squad.

Moran made his championship debut in New York 15 years ago and came on in Sunday’s facile 1-22 to 0-4 win over the Exiles to make his 77th championship appearance.

In doing so he became the first to play four times against New York in the championship and the Ballaghderreen clubman looked fit and sharp.

“I think as soon as he got on the field you saw the way he organised the forward line and he became a focal point,” said Horan.

“We started kicking more long ball when Andy came on. It’s just the influence he has on even the shape of the game.

“He has still a huge part to play for us,” added the Mayo manager, whose first stint as manager in 2011 almost came a cropper away to London in his opening match but they oozed confidence and control in New York last weekend.

The talent introduced by Horan in winning the league has continued on to the championship with Matthew Ruane continuing to grow in stature in the middle of the field, while wing-back James McCormack and corner-forward James Carr crowned good performances with scores.

Ballintubber’s Michael Plunkett and Conor Diskin from Claremorris came off the bench to make their championship bows before the squad moved up to Rockland County for a three-day training camp.

The focus now switches to the winners of Sunday’s clash between Roscommon and Leitrim, with Mayo hosting the victors in Castlebar on Saturday, May 25.

Horan said he is pleased overall with the New York trip and that it was good to blood young players and give them their first taste of senior championship football.

“It was good to see them, they fitted in very well. We got a lot of guys on, gave them game-time so that's important.

“It just adds to the mix and the depth of the panel. So, it's great for them to get championship experience. So, I'm happy with that overall and to get the victory.

“It doesn’t matter who they are playing against. We have no say in it, but competitive games you learn more in, that’s for sure. But coming over here it’s full of things that can trip you up and all of that kind of stuff. So to start well and to build the confidence was important,” added Horan.

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