Kevin McStay analyses the Breaffy v Knockmore final in Mayo, looks at the form of key men Aidan O’Shea and Kevin McLoughlin, and management teams that he knows very well.
Kevin McStay smiles when it is suggested that one of Breaffy or Knockmore will end a famine on Sunday.
The former have never won a Mayo SFC crown and have been beaten in three finals over the past decade, but Aidan O’Shea and Co continue to push the rock uphill.
They’re back at the big dance once more after beating Ballaghaderreen and then Westport in the knockout stages, with many seeing this as the year they final land the Paddy Moclair Cup.
Knockmore have won it on eight occasions, but have not claimed the title since 1997 and have lost five finals in the meantime.
They have built an exciting young team under Ray Dempsey, led by Mayo star Kevin McLoughlin — and this is a game that McStay cannot wait to see.
“Aidan has been brilliant, he has just been fantastic at club and county level,” McStay exclusively tells OurGame.
“He gets a tough time from a lot of us but I have been hugely impressed with him — he’s captain of the team and he has really given it his all.
“It has been a very good club championship in Mayo and there will be some class of a crowd allowed in.
“There is a want, there’s a famine in Breaffy, they have never won it and that is a monkey on their backs.
“Knockmore haven’t won it for a good while but have more know-how to win these games, there’s no doubt about that.
“It’s going to be a great final — two right good teams with contrasting form at times, but two good teams. It’s going to be a terrific final.”
Mayo SFC final
MacHale Park: Breaffy v Knockmore, Sunday 3.35
