GAELIC GAMES: Six months after that capitulation against Kerry in the All-Ireland final, Mayo folk are smiling again. Last Sunday they became the first team to beat Tyrone in Omagh for five years, and with the ultra-confidant Ballina Stephenites contingent - having an All-Ireland club medal sitting on the mantelpiece does that - switching their attention back to the intercounty circuit they can only get better.
One player still absent though is warhorse David Brady. He met John Maughan on Wednesday night and again yesterday morning to plot a potential reunion later in the year. For now, the 30-year-old's back needs time off and Maughan is more than happy to accommodate such a valued servant.
"We spoke at length last night and decided he needs a small bit of time out," the manager said. "The exertions of recent times mean his body is crying out for a rest. It's time for him to take a breather. He's taking a holiday and is heading out of the country, I think. When he comes back we will reassess the situation.
"He damaged his lower back last year in the Connacht championship against Roscommon and hasn't been able to get it right yet. He was in my office for an hour this morning, and, judging from the way he was even sitting in the chair, he is in no fit state for football."
After a winter juggling basketball and football, Ronan McGarrity does comes straight back into the midfield, while goalkeeper David Clarke has been there all along. There are other Ballina men who Maughan intends to get around to, especially Pat Harte and Enda Devenney when he regains fitness.
So all is calm on the western front with even Ciarán McDonald returning this Sunday. His no-show in Omagh cranked the rumour mill into action, but general "wear and tear" was the reason for leaving the captain at home.
"He was hurt against Offaly," Maughan explained. "Coming off the pitch in Tullamore he was in an awful state. His eye was almost closed after taking a knock just before half-time, he lost a toenail and tore his calf muscle as well. But I was talking to him earlier today and he was en route to training. So that's fine."
The law of diminishing returns also keeps Maughan preoccupied. He leaves his county aside to highlight the damage of over-exposure of young players. Laois prodigy Donie Brennan has a leaving certificate to worry about as well as the progress of Knockbeg College, club Arles-Killeen and the Laois seniors and under-21s.
"I would hate to see a talent like that burnt out. He kicked six points from play against Galway and did it looking comfortable throughout."
Although Mayo have four league wins from five outings, it's not all plain sailing. With the under-21 championship happening right before their eyes, Maughan has an ever-increasing injury list to mull over. James Gill's hamstring has him sidelined for a couple of weeks. Ditto Alan Costello and Conor Moran.
Then there is the foreign affairs department. Trevor Mortimer and John Prenty are studying down the road from each other in Yorkshire - one in Leeds, the other in Bradford. Due to this, both are off the required pace, but Maughan will ensure they keep match sharpness.
On Sunday both will play against Kerry. Maughan and company will give a reception fitting for the All-Ireland champions' visit to Castlebar. Expect a markedly different affair to that last meeting in Croke Park.
