Football rivalry gets an airing as Taoiseach visits Castlebar

During his visit to Castlebar on Friday to formally announce the next phase of the transformation of Castlebar Military Barracks into a state-of-the-art Further Education and Training campus, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin found time to turn his attention to the upcoming All-Ireland quarter-final between Mayo and his native Cork.

Speaking at the historic barracks, Mr Martin reflected on the site's links to the 1798 Rebellion.

The barracks are built on land first garrisoned by the British in the aftermath of the 1798 uprising, prompting An Taoiseach to describe Castlebar's past as one of rebellion while welcoming a project he said would help "liberate and educate" future generations.

The conversation soon turned from history to football, with Mayo preparing to face the Rebel County at Croke Park later today (Saturday)

“Now you will be meeting and engaging with another group of rebels tomorrow at Croke Park,” he said. “We look forward to a very good sporting encounter where football will be the winner,” he added.

Mr Martin wished Mayo the best of luck, but had to wish his own team the “very, very best of luck”.

Minister of State Alan Dillon, the former Mayo footballer and Castlebar native, also welcomed the major investment in his hometown before turning to Mr Martin with a light-hearted exchange ahead of the weekend’s showdown.

“It's timely since last Monday’s draw to have you here, and while this is Government business, I know you were keen to ask me, has Mayo picked its team. It's safe to say we have selected as it was against Meath. 

“So the message down to John Cleary is that we are very confident, we are very consistent, and we are looking to deliver.” 

Turning to An Taoiseach, he joked: “I’m sure you received great hospitality today, but you’ll certainly see no hospitality tomorrow. We wish you luck, but not too much luck.” 

 Mayo and Cork throw in at Croke Park at 4pm.