Duignan reveals hand for Connacht final against Mayo

Manager James Duignan has revealed his starting 15 for this evening's Connacht minor football final against Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park (throw-in is at 7.30 p.m.).

The Roscommon boss has kept faith with the side that defeated Galway in the semi-final at Tuam Stadium a week ago.

Keelan Kelly captains the side from centre-back. Darragh Devaney and Cathal Enright are selected at midfield, while Roscommon will be hoping that the fine form of Dara Curran and Dean Casey continues in attack.

Roscommon’s resurgence at underage level has been the story of the year so far. Despite taking out Galway twice in the space of a few weeks, however, James Duignan’s side will be the underdogs in a game where there will be the consolation of an All-Ireland quarter-final against Munster champions, Kerry, for the loser.

Mayo have swept all before them to reach the final, including a comfortable six-point victory against the Rossies in their opening round game in Castlebar. Despite topping the group, they may feel aggrieved at having to hit the road for the Hyde, but a free-scoring side, led by Kobe McDonald and Evan Walsh, should relish their surroundings this (Friday) evening.

Josh Moyles is another hugely important player for Mayo at midfield, doing the simple things well which allows McDonald the freedom to get forward and weave his magic.

But Roscommon have improved from that game in Castlebar. Defensively, they’re well set up with Liam Finneran, Kelly and Eoin Collins pivotal players in a sextet that aren’t afraid to attack when the opportunities arise.

Devaney and Enright have formed a solid midfield partnership, while there’s plenty of firepower up front in the form of the in-form Curran, Stephen Tighe and Dean Casey.

While Shay McGuinness’ deployment on the edge of the square didn’t reap a rich harvest last Friday evening, the fact that the Clann na nGael full-forward and the talented Seán McDonnell didn’t play against Mayo in the opening round adds another string to Roscommon’s attacking bow.

With silverware on the line, it’s a game that Roscommon won’t want to lose, but Mayo have been the standout pony in this campaign.

Then again, back in 2006, Mayo had a star-studded line-up, led by Pearse Hanley and Tom Parsons, and Roscommon — with current selectors Stephen Bohan and Deci Hoare as part of the management team — went to Castlebar and recorded a famous three-point victory. And we all know what happened after that?

Just for Roscommon to be competing in a provincial final and be guaranteed their place in the All-Ireland Series is hugely important for the development of the class of 2024.

At this level, anything can happen in a final. Roscommon have earned the right to compete for the Tom Kilcoyne Cup in what will be the county’s third provincial minor decider this decade.

The hard evidence points to a Mayo victory, but it should also ensure that Roscommon are ultra-competitive and be in a position to take advantage if the burden of expectation becomes too much for the visitors.