Excitement is starting to build as Mayo look to cement their place at the top of division one this weekend. With their star players like Aidan O'Shea back in flying form and a host of fresh young faces driving the team on, it's hard not to get excited for a team so far unbeaten. Under new management and breezing past the best, this excitement started to build weeks ago when Kevin McStay heralded in a new era of Mayo football with a revitalised and exciting young squad.
McStay seems to have eventually resigned star forward Aidan O'Shea to his natural position in the full forward line while Paddy Durcan and Cillian O'Connor seem to have aptly filled the gap experienced players like Lee Keegan and Oisin Mullen's left behind. While some feared the absence of the old guard, the likes of Enda Hession, Rory Brickendan and Bob Tuohy have all proved there's a new era of exciting footballers in Mayo. McStay has himself a really complete squad and it's easy to see when you've got corner-backs putting in truly special goals like Hession is.
25 February 2023; Paddy Durcan of Mayo with supporters after his side's victory in the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Mayo and Tyrone at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar, Mayo. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Talking to the BBC's GAA Social podcast this wee, Armagh great Oisín McConville was in little doubt that Mayo and Derry are the in-form teams sighting the way Mayo are playing as a huge stand out to him. (Mayo discussion starts about 20 minuste in)
They look quite impressive, the most impressive thing is the squad look quite deep, they look as if they've got a lot of those very good middle-eight players given them a lot of energy.
They're letting their defenders get up the field and make an impression in the games and that was a big standout for me at the weekend.
Talking about the generational talent that is Aidan O'Shea, McConville was delighted to see him in his natural position, and it's hard to disagree with him when players like O'Shea make or break a season.
At last they have bowed down and accepted that Aidan O'Shea is not a midfielder and that it makes more sense playing him upfront. That definitely has helped them.
Starting every game at 13 so far, it hasn't taken O'Shea long to remind people what he's capable of upfront putting in four impressive performances for his side. While he's a make-or-break player for Mayo, his Instagram certainly makes it look like he's enjoying his football and form definitely isn't an issue with wonder passes like this.
Was it the Gooch or Aidan O'Shea with the assist?pic.twitter.com/0Y8u3JgSNG
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 25, 2023
Kevin McStay's Mayo head to Connacht rivals Roscommon for a top-of-the-table clash this Sunday, in what could be their first of three meetings in just seven weeks should their league positioning hold.
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