Mayo League seek to make history in FAI Youth Inter-League Final
The Mao U18 squad pictured before their semi-final against Inishowen League.
Mayo Football League will look to make history this weekend as they chase a first ever FAI Youth Inter-League Cup, with Cork Youth League the opponents.
The two leagues will go head-to-head tomorrow (Saturday) at Fairview Rangers AFC with Cork looking to get their hands on the trophy for the fifth time in 10 years.
For Mayo, this is the first time since 1989 they have appeared in the final and will be looking to become the first winners of the competition from the Yew County.
Mayo overcame Galway League in a two-legged tie on penalties before defeating Inishowen Youth & Schoolboys League 3-1 after extra-time.
Cork’s path has been straightforward victories over Limerick Desmond League, Waterford District Junior League and Kerry District League, and comfortably beat Wexford Football League in the national semi-final Looking ahead to the final, Mayo League manager Chris McGauley said: “We’re in good fettle and we’re looking forward to the final.
“The big moment for us was coming through the penalty shootout in Galway. It was played at Eamon Deacy Park and perhaps playing at that stadium got to a couple of the players a bit, but following that result I saw the lads grow.
“To win the trophy would be massive for soccer in Mayo. It’s on the rise in Mayo and to win would be a big boost to the county. We’ve always had good players in this part of the world but they’ve been dragged to other sports, but I said to the boys that playing in this competition is an opportunity to show people in Irish football what they can do and they’ve really responded to that,” said McGauley, who is also head coach of Mayo Super League side Ballinrobe Town.
“It’ll be a great occasion; it would be great to see all the clubs in Mayo come out and support their players and the league and get behind football in Mayo.”
Kick-off is at 3.30pm and there will be live updates on the FAI Connect app.
