O'Mahony's Mayo set for first outing

John O'Mahony has made his first team announcement since his appointment as Mayo manager.

His side for tonight's Connacht FBD League encounter with Sligo IT includes seven starters from last year's All-Ireland final.

Dermot Geraghty, David Heaney, Keith Higgins, Peadar Gardiner, Ronan McGarrity, Ger Brady and Alan Dillon will all start Mayo's season opener under the floodlights at Ballinode (throw-in 7.30pm).

Veteran David Brady has been named in midfield, having gone back on his decision to retire from inter-county football.

Tonight marks the beginning of O'Mahony's second spell in the charge of his native county. It will be his first game in charge of the Mayo senior team since 1991.

The Connacht champions have a hectic start to their 2007 campaign with three games in seven days. They face Roscommon, who are managed by their former boss John Maughan, this Sunday.

Tonight will see Ballaghaderreen's James Kilcullen get a chance to impress at full back, with the likes of Aghamore's Colm Forde and Edmond Barrett of Kiltane also itching for game time.

O'Mahony, who is without Barry Moran (groin) and Ciarán McDonald (back), said: "It's the start of a new adventure for me and that's always an interesting experience."

Sligo IT are expected to include Donegal's AllStar defender Karl Lacey, Leitrim back Barry McWeeney, Mayo panelist Barry Regan and Donegal star Michael Doherty in attack.

MAYO (FBD League v Sligo IT) - K O'Malley; D Geraghty, J Kilcullen, K Higgins; P Gardiner, D Heaney, E Devenney; R McGarrity, D Brady; A Campbell, A Dillon, G Brady; M McNicholas, A Kilcoyne, M Mullins.