Finn happy to bypass semi-final as Mayo prep for final

Mayo hurling co-manager Brian Finn is delighted to have avoided a semi-final outing next weekend as he and Ray Larkin’s side overcame Sligo in a tough contest to advance to the National Hurling League final.

The Green and Red did not have it all their own way, far from it. They were made to work hard to overcome a seven-point deficit at half time amid heavy wind and rain at Kent Park.

“We felt we were doing well in defence and doing well in midfield in that first half,” said Finn.

“We thought we were on top and playing excellent. The likes of Sean Kenny and Cormac Phillips were working awful hard but we just couldn’t get the ball to stick inside.”

“The conditions were terrible, to be fair to the lads. The ball that went in, if it didn’t come 100% correct, the footing was bad, the ground was wet and then when things start going against you, it kind of keeps happening that way.”

Mayo did manage to put three points on the board on the spin, having gone the first half hour without a score, but Sligo snatched three more before the break to effectively undo their good work.

“We had our purple patch, they had theirs. If you break the game down, in total we got three points in the first half and they got four in the second. Conditions were a huge factor,” said Finn.

He said they will now use the two weeks before the final to work on a few things and get players back to full fitness.

“Both teams wanted the win to go straight to the final, neither of us really wanted a semi-final next week so we’re delighted with the win.”

“There’s a lot to work on but we have two weeks to get ready, which is good. We can have a controlled game ourselves next Sunday, A versus B, and look at things and work on a few things that went wrong today.”

“The conditions were poor but things like puck-outs, you have to do them no matter what the weather is like.”

The venue for the final is to be confirmed. Finn said it would be a massive experience for the panel’s players from Junior Hurling Clubs to get the opportunity to play in Croke Park.

“It hasn’t been confirmed but it would be massive to get a league final in Croke Park, it would be great for those lads. We have a lot of lads there this year and it is their first time playing senior Inter County from the junior clubs and it would be a great experience for them to get a run out in Croke Park. It would be massive.”