Probably enough to spill the phrase: "A nice blend of youth and experience." This is a fairly ubiquitous response to the naming of an early season starting 15. Up and down the country this weekend you'll have supporters on the sidelines, reading their programmes, uttering these very words (Tyrone's followers not included, as their team to face Dublin is basically a tried and trusted All-Ireland winning line-up). It'll happen in Ballina tomorrow as well no doubt, as four newcomers make their way out onto the James Stephens' pitch to play for Derry. Of course, there's a match to be won, and management and fans alike won't particularly care if a player is just out of minors, or playing in their 15th intercounty season; they'll be wearing the county colours and there's a job to do.
However, it will be interesting to see how the new Derry players fare against a strong-looking Mayo side. Brian Óg McAlary, Sean Leo McGoldrick, James Kielt and Seamus Bradley will all make their debuts. Chrissy McKaigue (who featured in the Championship for Derry last year) will make his NFL debut. A new freshness seems to have taken over this Derry side. McKaigue and Kielt come with brimming reputations. Both featured in Derry's fateful run to the All-Ireland MFC Final in 2007, and have impressed at Club level in recent seasons. Kielt has been earning rave reviews for Queen's during their Dr. McKenna Cup campaign, while McKaigue has fended off approaches from AFL Clubs. While the speed of which these lads have moved up the grades might raise one or two eyebrows, I think they will give Derry something extra in a couple of key areas. Now is the time to test them out.
It's good to see McAlary and Seamus Bradley get their chances also. Both have been showing well for their clubs, and during the McKenna Cup Bradley showed himself to be a forward of pace and accuracy. McAlary goes in at corner-back having produced solid defensive displays in the pre-season competition. Surely a baptism of fire will await in Mayo, but this is where players learn the inter-county trade. Derry have been bereft of options in recent seasons, and while the newcomers might not become All-Stars overnight, they add immediate strength to the Oakleaf squad.
We may have to wait a few games to see how Cassidy will change Derry's style of play, but during the McKenna Cup we saw glimpses of what might be in store. And by the looks of it, Enda Lynn and Sean Leo McGoldrick might be tired men come 4pm on Sunday. They will be tasked with running the wings and providing support from defence through to attack. Derry will play a largely counter-attacking game, with James Kielt likely to join Sean Leo's brother Barry on the '40, leaving space for the Bradleys Bumble and Skinner to cause damage on the inside line. It'll be interesting to see how this plan might pan out as the campaign progresses, and Mayo will offer a stiff test of its fibres.
The bookies are envisaging a Mayo victory on Sunday. But while I wouldn't be rushing to place the savings on Derry at 13/8, I think we have a good chance in Ballina. Kielt, McGoldrick, Lynn and co. have had plenty of games under their pre-season belt, and with a solid backbone of Fergal Doherty, Patsy Bradley and Eoin Bradley in place, Derry could cause a minor upset.
When Derry last ran out onto Mayo turf it was 2002, when the Crossmolina venue witnessed a disappointing 2-point defeat. By contrast, Derry's last visit to Ballina was as far back as 1972, when the Oak Leafers emerged with a five point victory; a similar result tomorrow would suit just fine!
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