Solan’s Under 20s can put a gloss on Mayo’s summer
MICHAEL SOLAN’S reputation as a methodical manager continues to grow. In his first season as Mayo’s Under 21 manager, he led them to an AllIreland title. Tomorrow, he has the chance to make a bit of history with the westerners as they look to claim the inaugural U20 Championship. Solan is known for his attention to detail so he will have worked out a way to nullify the threat of Kildare’s classy corner-forward, Jimmy Hyland. The gifted Ballyteague native was Man of the Match in the Leinster final win over Dublin and followed that up with scoring 1-8 against Kerry in a dramatic semi-final that saw the Lilywhites edge out the Munster champions by a point. Hyland was a key player as the Lilywhites captured the Leinster minor title back in 2015 and he has been part of Cian O’Neill’s extended squad over the past couple of years. But the problem for Kildare is that this Mayo side are strong at the back, with the likes of Westport’s Oisin McLoughlin able to close up shop. Up front, Mayo have plenty of talent, too. Ryan O’Donoghue, who is also a talented boxer and soccer player, has already played senior football, having been given his debut by Stephen Rochford in the FBD League this past January. The Belmullet native has a lot of pace and is very creative, as he proved with his wonderful display in the semi-final win over Derry, when he netted a goal against the Ulster champions. And from centreforward, O’Donoghue will be expected to provide plenty of ammunition for Ross Egan in the full-forward line. Beating Derry by three points will be a boost to Mayo as the Oak Leafers were made up primarily of the side that contested the 2017 All-Ireland minor final. And they have strength in every line of the field. Kildare’s hopes may rest on how much ball they can win around the middle third, so Aaron Masterson will be needed to come to the fore around the middle. And their kick-out strategy will also be integral. Their goalkeeper Aaron O’Neill has been the under-study to Mark Donnellan in the senior squad and he should bring that experience to bear in Croke Park. But the sense is that this Mayo team are on a mission and can put a bit of gloss on a disappointing summer for the county. ALL-IRELAND U20FC FINAL Throw-in: 1.15pm, Croke Park TV: LIVE on TG4 from 12.45pm Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh).