Sice set to return as Corofin aim to turn the tables on Castebar Mitchels

COROFIN won’t need any reminding that their recent record against Castlebar Mitchels is not good. Twice on November days in 2013 and 2015, the Mayo champions travelled to the town of Tuam and on both occasions escaped with a prized victory.

This time around on Sunday at 2pm in McHale Park, it’s the turn of Corofin to try and strike deep into the heart of enemy territory and secure a Connacht semi-final victory against a side that has already steamrolled its way through the Mayo championship.

Make no mistake about it – this is the clash of two big guns in Connacht club football and something has to give. Less than 20 months ago, Corofin were All-Ireland club champions while last March, Castlebar made it through to the All-Ireland final.

Mayo’s late involvement in the All-Ireland series has meant that Castlebar Mitchels have had the busiest of months but they are on a hugely impressive run with wins over Ballintubber, Knockmore, and last weekend, Tourlestrane of Sligo.

New blood has been introduced along the way and while the Castlebar club won’t be looking one second past next Sunday, there is a yearning there to atone for what was a pretty calamitous 2-14 to 0-7 All-Ireland final loss to Ballyboden/St. Enda’s in Croke Park on St. Patrick’s Day.

That’s the past though and already in the history category and that match, or previous meetings, between Corofin and Castlebar will have little bearing on Sunday’s outcome.

Corofin manager, Kevin O’Brien, is very much trying to shape his own team after taking over the reins from Stephen Rochford last Winter but he will be very much aware that the Mitchels have edged the last two tactical battles.

Inter-county player Gary Sice – who missed the 0-16 to 0-11 county final win over Salthill in Pearse Stadium due to a hamstring injury – is reported to be recovering well and should start on Sunday.

The news on Martin Farragher though is not as encouraging – he too missed the county final because of hamstring problems but his injury has been slower to respond.

Liam Silke is also troubled by hamstring problems but like Gary Sice, he is expected to be okay for Sunday and apart from that, Corofin have a pretty much full hand to pick from.

They are a seamless outfit and even in the county final in the absence of Sice from the forward line, young Jason Leonard stepped up to the mark, picking off nine points from play and frees.