Mayo FC line up friendlies ahead of season

Mayo FC have lined up three home friendlies as part of their preparations for the FAI National League season.

Dates and times are to be confirmed for games against Galway United, Sligo Rovers and Home Farm but they are expected to take place in early August at Umbro Park shortly before the men’s senior team begins their truncated league season on the last weekend in August.

Mayo FC will also play Mervue United in a friendly away from home as they look to test their mettle ahead of the season.

Fixtures details are awaited for the FAI National League for which Mayo FC have been drawn in Group 2 alongside Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal), Salthill Devon (Galway), St Francis and TU Dublin (both Dublin).

At last Tuesday’s Club Member Draw launch, Mayo FC committee member Pat O’Sullivan said the club would have further details regarding season tickets in the coming weeks.

“We expect to have eight home games in the truncated season. There is a very good offer on season tickets and it is going to come with a free club jacket as well, made by our supplier Umbro,” he said.

One of Mayo’s upcoming National League opponents, Salthill Devon, recently announced the appointment of ex-Ireland international Greg Cunningham as their manager. Mayo FC club chairman Joe Faughnan said this was an ambitious appointment and a net positive for the third tier overall for a club to be able to bring a manager with Cunningham’s status.

“He was in for the Academy Manager roles with the FAI as well. He had a really good career and it is really good for the National League to get coaches in of that level, an ex-international and a big name in Irish soccer,” he said.

“It’ll be interesting to see who he is able to pull in as players for that team, I’m sure he’ll have lots of links to clubs. He is a really good addition for the League.”