Derry hope to upset Mayo in the All Ireland preliminary quarterfinal

Derry have the arduous task of traveling to McHale Park in Castlebar to face Mayo in the preliminary quarterfinal of the All Ireland. 

Mickey Harte’s men made hard work of overcoming Westmeath in their last fixture, but at the end of the day, they secured a much-needed victory. 

The win brought a three-game losing streak to an end for the Oak Lefers, and it was the first game they had not conceded a goal since their victory over Monaghan in February. 

And it was only the third game this season that the ball had not hit their net, calling into question the defensive set-up of the team.

And with a Mayo side in free-flowing form since coming into the All Ireland series, with Kevin McStay’s side in their victories over Cavan, Roscommon, and draw with Dublin. 

Mayo were impressive last weekend against Dublin, and they should be extremely confident going up against an underwhelming Derry team.

Aidan O’Shea has found form, was immense against Dublin, and could prove to be a thorn in Harte’s side. 

The 33-year-old’s role on the Mayo side has evolved over the years, but his impact has not lessened, and Derry will need to be wary. 

While Derry have an undoubtedly quality panel with a sublime man marker in Chrissy McKaigue likely to mark O’Shea, the players will need to find their early-season form that carried them to the Division 1 National League title. 

And in that run of fine early-season form, Derry traveled to Castlebar and defeated Mayo on a scoreline of 3-15 to 2-13. 

While the future of Harte still hangs in the balance of this All Ireland campaign, with rumours from a number of weeks ago that there was a vote taken on keeping him in the role, but the Derry County Board rubbished the speculation.

Entering the group stages as one of the favourites to lift the Sam Maguire, their last victory in 1993, a good beating by Armagh in Celtic Park dashed those hopes. 

But Derry can resurrect belief amongst the fans with a statement victory against Mayo on Saturday evening, when the ball is thrown in at 5:30pm. 

And should Derry secure a victory, they can take confidence in the fact that only once in the last 12 years did the team that beat Mayo fail to win the All Ireland.

Despite it being unlikely Derry will secure a victory in Castlebar this time, there is always hope in sport, and this will be what keeps the Oak Leafers believing they can upset the odds.