TOURISTS in the sedate west Sligo village of Enniscrone may have been curious in recent times about regular invasions of the beach there by some 30 brawny young men who respond obediently to commands of a scarcely concealed military nature.

They need have no fears. This is the Mayo football squad under the guidance of Army Captain John Maughan as they prepare for the All Ireland final against either Meath or Tyrone.

The Enniscrone beach, just a few miles from Ballina, is regarded as one of the best in the west and frequently attracts surfers from Hawaii, Malibu and other exotic places but for the moment it is the venue for Mayo's preparations for their biggest and most important match since an unsuccessful effort in 1989.

It is widely held that Maughan's influence on Mayo has been one of the most significant factors in the team's successes so far.

This comes as no surprise to the Crossmolina general practitioner, Mick Loftus, who knew the young Maughan since childhood. "I don't think actually delivered him but I certainly saw him grow up and I meet his mother, Kathleen, regularly as we live not far from each other.

"No. I'm not a bit surprised that he has been successful both in his army and sporting career. I knew his late father as a very hard working man who owned a farm not far from Crossmolina. I also remember that he would drive to Dublin to meet the boat train in Westland Row to drive people coming home from England to Mayo for holidays.

"Young John went to Moate after leaving the primary school here and we soon learned of his ability as a player. It was a great pity that a knee injury cut his playing career short. Looking at him today you wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him pulling on a jersey and going out onto the pitch himself. He would still be a very difficult man to beat.

"What impresses me most about him is that he gets things done quietly and with a minimum of fuss. There was a great contrast between him and Paidi O Sea on the sideline last Sunday. Paidi's style and John's are totally different. I'm also very pleased with the way he can inspire both the young players and the more experienced.

"He seems to have got a new lease of life out of players like Dermot Flanagan, Pat Holmes, Liam McHale and Ray Dempsey for instance as well as bringing in new players who have done very well indeed.

"He made a huge difference to Clare when he was with them and there is certainly a very powerful spirit in the team at present.