Mayo U14's set for All-Ireland Quarter-Final showdown with Kildare
Mayo's Lily Hurst in action against Meath last week. Picture: Neil McGlue
The resilient Mayo U14s aim to continue an impressive bounceback campaign in a crucial knock-out clash tomorrow (Saturday) against Kildare in the Platinum All-Ireland Quarter-Final The game presents for Tom Carney's determined squad to advance to the All-Ireland Semi-Finals, as they continue their remarkable recovery from earlier disappointment.
Mayo endured a difficult day against Galway in the Connacht Platinum final at Bekan, where the All-Ireland title holders delivered a clinical performance against a Mayo side that struggled to find their rhythm. For many young teams, such a comprehensive defeat could derail a season, but not for this resilient Mayo squad.
Entering the prestigious Platinum All-Ireland series last weekend, Mayo faced a formidable group featuring Leinster champions Meath, Munster runners-up Clare, and Ulster champions Tyrone. Rising magnificently to the challenge, they won all three games, emphatically putting any doubts behind them and securing their quarter-final berth against Kildare.
Despite the quick turnaround after last weekend's intensive All-Ireland series, manager Tom Carney is pleased with how his squad has prepared.
"They have recovered really well this week after the first stage of the All-Ireland series, including a trip to Carrowmore Beach, and training has been competitive."
With many players experiencing knockout football for the first time this season, Carney's approach to managing the pressure is straightforward.
"They are a well-grounded group, who take everything in their stride. It's just another game of football with a nice prize at the end of it. They need to remember what got them to this point and use that as their motivation for Saturday."
With the season now in its decisive knockout phase, the stakes couldn't be higher for Saturday's encounter. A defeat would bring the curtain down on their campaign, while victory would propel them into an All-Ireland Semi-Final, and this determined Mayo side has clearly demonstrated they're not ready to hang up their boots just yet.
The quarter-final throws-in at 2.45pm in Padraig Pearses GAA, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, and it promises to be an enthralling contest as these talented young footballers fight for a place in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals, with Mayo's resilience and newfound momentum set to be tested against a strong Kildare outfit.
