Ella Brennan happy with players who have stepped up for Mayo after AFLW departures
Michael Bolton
It has been a difficult few years for the Mayo Ladies, but Ella Brennan is confident it will all come together under Diana O'Hora.
In new territory in Division Two, Mayo just missed out on promotion, while they put in a positive performance in defeat to Galway in the Connacht final.
An All-Ireland winner in her playing days, O'Hora has shown she can take teams to the next level during her time in Kildare.
Brennan is aware it will be a process that will take time to complete, but is encouraged by what she has seen so far.
"I think that is something we are trying to remind ourselves after some frustrating defeats during the league.
"Girls that were in the panel felt like we really earned in the Connacht final against Galway. Stepping back, it is a really young panel, and we are trying very new things after a lot of change, so it is encouraging to see that.
"She has brought a new energy to the group, and her management team have been great. Girls have really bought into the stuff she has introduced.
"We have a bit to go, but we have seen good progress. I think she brings a lot of passion and energy to the group."
Mayo have arguably been hit the hardest by the number of players from the county who have made the move down under to the AFLW through the years.
Rachel Kearns, Sarah Row, Aileen Gilroy, Niamh and Grace Kelly, and Saoirse Lally are just some of the players who have made a career in Aussie Rules.
To replace that quality of players will be difficult for any county, but Brennan is impressed by the youth who have taken their chance.
"Ladies Football in general is difficult as we are losing our best athletes to another sport. Mayo has been hit the most; there is no secret there.
"It is disappointing from a Mayo point of view, but for those girls to go experience that, it is an unbelievable opportunity for them.
"In Mayo, we are so blessed with the talent in the county. When one girl goes, another steps in and there is no change really. The standard is still kept really high, it gives younger girls an opportunity to get in a bit earlier.
"It is definitely a challenge to keep our players in Ireland. A lot of them go to experience the professional lifestyle. From chatting to girls, our schedules are insane managing this, work, and a life outside it.
"If there is work arounds there to make the balance a bit more manageable, that is probably a key thing."
