There we have it now.
Stephen Rochford has been getting advice – solicited and unsolicited – all week on what team he should put out to face Kerry in the All-Ireland Football semi final replay.
The Mayo boss has resisted any temptations to tweak his side after their 2-14 apiece draw with Kerry, last Sunday, and retained the same starting line-up. It is a real statement of intent to Kerry – that he believes he has the men 15 to beat them – and a show of faith to those that came close to victory last time out.
Earlier on Friday evening, Kerry were the first of the two counties to show their hand. Eamonn Fitzmaurice made only one change to his team with the fit again Donnchadh Walsh replacing the injured Michael Geaney in Kerry’s half forward line.
Just one change but @Kerry_Official are instantly stronger for their replay against Mayo https://t.co/hFqwuKATCb
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) August 25, 2017
Aidan O’Shea is named in the half forward but, as we all witnessed, the Breaffy man dropped to full-back and man-marked Kerry forward Kieran Donaghy.
Lee Keegan is down as wing forward and many Mayo fans will hope he stays there, rather than positioning himself higher up the field. Keith Higgins is set for his 140th Mayo appearance after making his inter-county debut back in 2005.
Paddy Durcan, who salvaged the semi final with a late point last week, remains on the bench.
MAYO
David Clarke (Ballina Stephenites)
Brendan Harrison (Aghamore)
Donal Vaughan (Ballinrobe)
Keith Higgins (Ballyhaunis)
Lee Keegan (Westport)
Chris Barrett (Belmullet)
Colm Boyle (Davitts)
Seamus O’Shea (Breaffy)
Tom Parsons (Charlestown)
Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore)
Aidan O’Shea (Breaffy)
Diarmuid O’Connor (Ballintubber)
Jason Doherty (Burrishoole)
Cillian O’Connor (Ballintubber, captain)
Andy Moran (Ballaghaderreen)
