Ronan and Co relishing the search for Sweeney honours

In Ronan McNamara’s own words, it was ‘easy’ when simply just playing and focusing on your own game. But now, as one of the selectors to Davitts manager Mark Concannon, the responsibilities have increased. He acknowledges it has been an ‘eye-opener’ but credits Mark for his meticulous preparation as they get ready for the club’s biggest day in over a decade.

“When you’re involved in the management, it’s an eye-opener really, what is actually involved in preparing a team for a championship match,” Ronan McNamara told the Western People.

“I suppose in the lead up to a final there’s a lot of balls in the air, there’s a lot to juggle, but we manage as best we can and just have them ready for the day.

“Mark is fantastic. Look, there’s a lot of work to do it, but I have to say he takes the bulk of the work. He’s loads of experience there. He really leaves no stone unturned and we’re lucky to have him. His preparation, I have to say, for big matches and big days is second to none, and there’s no doubt if the players can listen to the messages Mark gives them, that we’ll be in good shape on the day, I would say.” The majority of that 2011 Davitts squad has moved on, but the evergreen Colm Boyle remains. The 40-year-old was along the line with Andy Moran as Mayo made their legendary All-Ireland breakthrough back in July, but he is all in now with Davitts and McNamara has praised the impact he is having on the camp.

“He just gives everyone such a lift. Everyone, even before his Mayo management role, everyone just respects him so much for the way he played football, the way he carried himself. He’s just a leader and there’s no doubt about it when we have him around the group that we’re in a lot stronger position.

“Everyone just listens to him. There’s no nonsense with him; everything is on point and everything he does just adds value because he has the experience on both sides as well.

“He knows what the big days are like. So, to have him around in the leadership of the county final is just invaluable. Everyone looks up to him, management and players alike. Yeah, it’s just great to have him around the place.” South Mayo football is on something of a high, with three of the four finalists – Davitts, Ballinrobe and Garrymore – across senior and intermediate in county final action this coming weekend. And Eastern Gaels, who are in the junior ‘A’ final, are also just a short trip from Ballindine. McNamara acknowledges the bounce in the south of the county from the county’s All-Ireland win, especially in Davitts through Boyle and midfielder Fenton Kelly, but all focus is now on this coming Saturday. Davitts are preparing for what will only be their sixth ever appearance in a county final.

“It’s just a huge occasion for the club. You know, if you go back to the history, we don't reach too many finals, you know, so that’s how special these occasions are.

“If you think back to all the people who’ve given so much commitment down the years of the club, their families, supporters, all that kind of stuff. For us really, we’re just worried about Davitts and for everyone to get to enjoy the build up to the game and to bring the colour on the day and to get behind the team and support us and hopefully get us on the line.” Standing between them and lifting the Sweeney Cup aloft in MacHale Park next Saturday is a familiar opponent in South Mayo rivals Ballinrobe. They have met twice this year, with Ballinrobe winning both games comfortably, in the O’Mara Cup and the Mayo Senior Football League.

McNamara knows Ballinrobe threat well but believes his club can overcome the challenge. A return to the senior championship would be ‘huge’ for Davitts, he says.

“Any team that reaches the county final at any grade, you know, they’re there on merit so we know we’re going to be facing a very good team.

“We’ve told the lads, we’ve earned our place here as well and we know if we play to our own strengths and maybe capitalise on one or two of their perceived weaknesses, and if we prepare properly, you know, we’ll able to match Ballinrobe on the day. We’d be confident of that.

“It’s not just about the team; it’s the whole club. The way I would see it, supporters, children, it’s a lot bigger than the team. To build up that connection with everybody and get the excitement around the village and all that kind of stuff, it means absolutely everything.

“No more than any club, we have people all over the world and they’ll be coming back for the county final. It’s upon us now to make sure that we take opportunities to make this the best day possible for the club going forward.”