Mayo make single change to team for Kildare, and it’s a big one

Patrick McCarry

Mayo are stretched to breaking point but this could be an inspired move.

The westerners are taking on Kildare in Newbridge NOT Croke Park in their All-Ireland SFC Qualifier Round 3 clash on Saturday evening.

Throw-in at St Conleth’s Park is 7pm and the home supporters are likely to be outnumbered by Mayo fans, due to them having over 4,000 season ticket holders.

Stephen Rochford lost another midfielder in the Round 2 victory over Tipperary as Seamus O’Shea joined Tom Parsons on the sidelines. The man who replaced O’Shea in that tie has been drafted in from the start this week and it is an introduction that will please Colm Parkinson.

Former Young Player of the Year Diarmuid O’Connor has been drafted into the Mayo midfield. It is a positional switch, from the forward lines, that Parkinson recently spoke about on The GAA Hour.

“I think (Diarmuid O’Connor) needs a break from wing forward. In that kind of form, midfield might suit him where he’s not having a fella following him around. He has potential to be better than he has been for the last year, really.”

O’Connor gets the No.8 jersey while David Clarke gets No.1. The Mayo goalkeeper will make his 115th senior appearance for the county in Newbridge.

MAYO

1. David Clarke – Ballina Stephenites

2. Chris Barrett – Belmullet
3. Ger Cafferkey – Ballina Stephenites
4. Keith Higgins – Ballyhaunis

5. Lee Keegan – Westport
6. Colm Boyle – Davitts
7. Patrick Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels

8. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
9. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore

10. Kevin McLoughlin – Knockmore
11. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy
12. James Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels

13. Jason Doherty – Burrishoole
14. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber (Captain)
15. Andy Moran – Ballaghaderreen

Kildare boss Cian O’Neill has also named his team for the game, with Eoin Doyle starting as captain.

Neil and Daniel Flynn are in the forward line with Paddy Brophy while the Lilywhites midfield is Kevin Feely and Tommy Moolick.

Team News: All-Ireland SFC Round 3 Qualifier
Kildare v Mayo
Saturday 30th June, 7pm
Venue: St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge
Best of luck to the team & management #KildareGAA pic.twitter.com/PTW4opxvSX

— Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) June 29, 2018