Building consistency is the key aim for captain Paddy

Paddy Durcan has spoken of his pride at being selected for the Mayo captaincy once more for the 2024 inter-county season.

The Castlebar Mitchels clubman, coming into his tenth year with Mayo, was appointed captain for the first time last year by Mayo manager Kevin McStay and he will remain in the role for the year ahead. Stephen Coen (Hollymount-Carramore) and Tommy Conroy (The Neale) remain vice-captains.

Durcan lifted silverware last year as he climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park last April to lift the Allianz National Football League Division 1 trophy.

“It’s a massive honour for myself, my family and my club and not something you take lightly,” said the 29-year-old at a press conference in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in advance of this season’s league campaign. “Going into my tenth season now, it’s been a long time but it’s flew also. The way I’ve always seen it is, you’re in for a limited time and when your time is up, it’s onto somebody else.

Durcan added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, extremely proud to have the opportunity and be entrusted with it. But you’re in a position where we have a great group there too. I don’t take it fully on my shoulders because it’s a group effort.” 

The attack-minded defender will lead his team into another Division 1 opener against Galway, this time played in Pearse Stadium. Durcan is expecting the game – and the league – to be as tough as ever.

“All the games in Division 1 are highly competitive. This year is obviously going to be no different. That’s a game we’ll all be looking forward to, as will Mayo supporters too.

“I’ve enjoyed being back training as hard as we can. Once that game goes, it will be week on week or every second week. That’s probably what you want as a player. It’s exciting times and we’re certainly excited about it too.” 

Overall, Durcan was happy to see Mayo pick up a national title last year although the elusive All-Ireland remains out of reach. Consistency is a word Mayo manager Kevin McStay used at the press conference and that’s the mantra for Durcan also.

“Winning the National League is definitely something not to be sniffed at. Anytime you get up to Croke Park and win silverware, it’s a positive thing. Looking back on the year, we want to build on our consistency going forward and that starts on the training ground.

“There has to be a focus from the group on consistency and incremental improvement as an individual and that will lead to a better collective. If we can all add that element, it’ll leave that group in a good place.

“One day or night or one game is not the same all the time. You’re always reviewing where you’re at, no more than training (Thursday). We’ll sit down after training and see what went well and what didn’t go so well. It’s an ever-growing thing and it grows consistently. It should do from when you start to when you finish.” 

Despite the national success for Mayo, 2023 was something of a year to forget for Darren McHale. Niggling injuries saw his game time limited in the National League and he played practically no part in the championship, which saw Mayo beaten by Dublin in the quarter-final.

He found his form once again in the club championship with Knockmore and as well as staying fit, he hopes that when the opportunities come around he can take them and he can be a regular presence in the Mayo forward lines.

“2023 was a frustrating one for me. I missed a fair bit of time with injuries at key times. I want to stay available as much as possible and then when I get my opportunities, to force my way in and make as positive an impact as I can”, said McHale.