Mayo hurling manager Ray Larkin names his team for league opener

With a plethora of Tooreen players missing following their All-Ireland Intermediate club final two weeks ago, Mayo manager Ray Larkin has named a weakened side for the Mayo hurlers’ Division 2 league opener against Laois in Adrian Freeman Park, Tooreen on Sunday at 1pm.

Jack Trench, at corner-back, is the only starter from the Mayo and Connacht club champions while Tooreen players Padraic Mooney, Darren Murray, David and Fionn Delaney are named on the bench. Ballyhaunis’s Eoghan Collins will captain the team from full-back.

There are an impressive nine different Mayo hurling clubs represented in the matchday panel. Supporters are advised to note the change of venue from the originally declared venue of Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

After winning the Division 3 title last year, Mayo find themselves stepping up to Division 2 where their opponents will be Laois, Westmeath, Kerry, Derry, London and Meath.

In championship terms, with Mayo in the Nickey Rackard, three teams (Meath, Kerry and Derry) are on tier above them in the Christy Ring while the other three teams (Westmeath, Laois and London) are two tiers above them in the Joe McDonagh Cup.

Mayo: Kevin Duffy (Ballina); Michael Gallagher (Westport), Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis), Jack Trench (Tooreen); Conor Murray (Castlebar), Diarmuid Phillips (Ballyhaunis), Eoin Ryan (Ballyhaunis); John Heraty (Moytura), Oisin Ivers (Kinvara); Ronan Fallon (Claremorris), Cormac Phillips (Ballyhaunis), Colm Enright (Castlebar); Brendan Sheridan (Moytura), Joseph Burke (Moytura), Ryan Duffy (Ballygar).

Subs: Martin Parsons (Castlebar), Corey Scahill (Castlebar), Darren McTigue (Castlebar), Padraic Mooney (Tooreen), Seán McGee (Ballyvary), Anthony Rowland (Castlebar), David Delaney (Tooreen), Fionn Delaney (Tooreen), Oisin Duffy (Caiseal Gaels), Lucas Kenny (Castlebar), Darren Murray (Tooreen).

Tickets can be purchased from selected Centra and SuperValu shops and online here.