McHale satisfied with "good league campaign"

While still a work in progress, Mayo manager Liam McHale reflected on a “good league campaign” after signing off with a win over Waterford.

McHale conceded that Mayo should have won it more comfortably after having to deal with an aerial bombardment late on, but he was happy with how they held off Waterford late on.

“It was a rollercoaster ride. I thought we were very much on top for large chunks of the game. Some of the kick passes in particular, we’re trying to be a kickpassing team. It can be hard to watch at times. They’re trying to do the right thing but our execution isn’t great at times,” said McHale.

“Like the Armagh game, I thought we should have won it pulling up there at the end. We were hoping we didn’t give away a goal at the end. Laura, Nicola (O'Malley) and Dani (Caldwell) had to deal with a lot of high balls in the end.

“As I said to the girls, it’s been a good league campaign. A lot of young players played good minutes. It has to stand to them. We have some continuity developing. The little mistakes we are making are composure in front of goal and stuff like that. If our attitude is right, we’ll get better at that.” 

Brennan, in particular, was impressive. She was another who considered opting out of the Mayo panel for 2024 to go travelling but McHale is happy she has stayed on. “A lot of high balls went it and she dealt with them. She has to be one of the best ‘keepers in the country. She’s got great size and length, a commanding figure and she’s got great kickouts. We’re happy she stayed on. Lisa Reid did a great job in the early rounds and she’s pushing her as hard as possible.” 

Another player making an impact is Fionnuala MacLaughlin, finding the net twice. A call made by McHale to her inter-county star brother Eoghan set the wheels in motion for her to join the panel and having seen both in action first hand, the similarities are uncanny.

“She’s a serious athlete. Unbelievable potential. She even solos the ball like her brother. One time she took off, soloed the ball over her head and I just smiled to myself!” 

Fionnuala admitted there was a “huge adjustment” in dealing with the physicality but is happy with how things have gone. “I’m delighted. It was a good team performance, in fairness. Happy with the win. I’m enjoying it now and looking forward to the championship.” 

The Mayo squad will enjoy ten days off before preparations begin for their Connacht championship showdown with Galway on May 12. From what he has seen in the league, McHale feels they can be a match for anyone in the country.

“It seems a long time away. We’ve 17 training sessions and a couple of club matches. I think we’ll be very good during the summer. We’re showing glimpses of it, we’re dominating teams but we’re not putting the result on the scoreboard. Once that comes, we’re going to be hard for anybody.

"It’s all about learning and developing as a player. This is a very high level. It’s my first year in Division 1, like Fionnuala. There’s no bad teams. We did well to get as many points as we got. We should have got more, for sure, but you can see the effort they’re putting in.”