The Mayo SFC gets underway next weekend and most of the focus will be on Sligo legend Eamonn O'Hara and how he fares with his new Ballaghaderreen charges.

The holder of eight Sligo SFC medals, O'Hara will lead 2012 Moclair Cup winners Ballagh' into championship battle for the first time against 2014 All-Ireland finalists Castlebar Mitchels. It promises to be a tough introduction for the 2002 All Star who is still finding his feet in the world of management.

"I liked what they had to say," the Tourlestrane man said in the Western People of his decision to take the Ballaghaderreen reins.

"They had high expectations, but at the same time were conscious they no longer had the players who won the 2008 and 2012 county finals. [The club has] diffierent up-and-coming groups so they just wanted to put the right structures in place and they thought I was the right man for the job.

"I have to say, I didn't have to ask the Ballaghadereen lads to train, they were very motivated and brilliant in terms of their commitment, it was just to make sure they were doing the right thing; rein some of them back in terms of not spending so much time in the gym or spending so much time doing certain running.

"They were all very willing and open to do that which is really, really good for me."

Meanwhile, Ballintubber will be expected to open their title defence with a win over Ballinrobe, while newly-promoted Ballyhaunis face a difficult task against Knockmore.

The other first round games are Breaffy v Davitt's, Ballina Stephenites v Claremorris, Crossmolina v Aghamore, Garrymore v Charlestown and Shrule-Glencorrib v Kiltane.

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