Tooreen focused on nothing other than next game insists Freyne

There is no focus on what has happened previously or whether another magical All-Ireland run is on the cards. Right now, it’s all about the Mayo senior final against Ballyhaunis.

That’s the message from Tooreen chairperson Pat Freyne as his club chases a third TJ Tyrell Cup in-a-row this coming Saturday. Tooreen enjoyed a sixteen points win over Ballyhaunis in the group stage but Freyne said it will be a ‘totally different game’ at the home of their neighbours.

“We’re under no illusions going into the county final. It’ll be a totally different game. I know Ballyhaunis were very much understrength for that round-robin game, a county final will be a much different occasion.

“It’s a big occasion for both clubs. We’re so familiar with each other at this stage it’s kind of ticked into the calendar at the start of the year. County final day has always been a big day and on a county final day, anything can happen. We’re looking forward to seeing how it’ll go on the day.”

One notable absentee for Tooreen from last year’s historic run is Cathal Freeman, who is travelling in Australia. Freyne said he will be a ‘big miss’ but that young players are stepping up.

“(Cathal) has been a great servant for the club for many years. We will miss him. Cathal was one of the leaders of the team both on and off the pitch the last number of years. He’s been there for a decade or so at the core of the team.

“He certainly will be a loss and that is a down point but we have good young guys who have come in, like Conal Hession and James Byrne, who have stepped up. We’re fairly well set but we’ll miss Cathal on the day, for sure.”

Apart from Freeman, it is essentially the same team on the pitch and on the sideline, with newly appointed Mayo joint hurling manager Ray Larkin in charge. Dom Greally and Brian Delaney have stayed on as selectors while managers of the junior team Stephen Lenehan and Gerry Glavey have taken a more active role with the senior team.

Tooreen will also be contesting this final on Ballyhaunis’ home ground but given the close proximity of both clubs,

Freyne believes it’s not an advantage for them either.

“Whether it’s in Tooreen or Ballyhaunis, it’s a fifty-fifty game. I don’t think the pitch or location makes a huge difference.

“We wouldn’t really read too much into that. Some people might say it takes the pressure off us a little bit that we’re not playing on our own ground yet other guys would prefer to play on our own ground. I don’t think it’ll make much difference on the day. Both teams bring the best out of each other. We’re neighbours, a lot of the guys would be good friends. They went to school together, they play county hurling together. I suppose the thing you want most is to beat the person you know the best. It turns into a battle and it could go either way.”

Three county titles in-a-row – and six in seven years – will be seen as a major success but Pat Freyne insists that all the focus is simply on getting a good start and winning this final rather than creating more history.

“We don’t pass too much heed on those things (three-in-a-row). It’s another county final which is always a big occasion for the club and we’re trying to get the win.

“A good start is vital just to settle the lads down. If we get scores on the board early then hopefully guys will settle.

“If it goes the other direction, it can be unsettling and the weather at this time of year can be poor as well. If you go behind, it can be difficult.”