Mortimer 'delighted' to come back as Mayo captain

Mayo manager John O'Mahony has given the nod for versatile forward Trevor Mortimer to continue as captain of the reigning Connacht champions.

Mortimer's housemate Peadar Gardiner will assume the role of vice-captain, with Mayo currently gearing up for their first competitive outing since their All-Ireland quarter-final exit at the hands of Meath last August.

O'Mahony's charges will take on NUI Galway in their rescheduled FBD League opener at Garrymore on Sunday (throw-in 2pm).

Commenting on the captaincy decision, Mortimer said: "I was very surprised but delighted when I was told (about the captaincy) last Sunday.

"I thought being captain last year probably helped my game, gave me more confidence. It certainly didn't do me any harm.

"I'm not sure to be honest why John decided to retain me as captain. I suppose I get on well with all the lads and maybe some of the younger lads would look up to me.

"As a captain, if something has to be said, I'll say it. But I don't agree with talking for the sake of talking," he told the Mayo News.

The 29-year-old, who works as a quarry manager, skippered Mayo to Connacht Championship glory last summer and is determined to build on that success.

Mortimer is already targeting a mouth-watering opening National League clash with arch rivals Galway in Castlebar on February 6.

"It's very hard to get that (Meath) game, that performance, out of your head but once we get a few games under our belt again, I think we'll be all the better for it," he admitted.

"At the moment, our objective is to get out and get some points on the board in the National League. Our total focus at the moment is on the first league match against Galway."

As things stand, a planning appeal may force a rescheduling of that Mayo v Galway game, which is due to be broadcast live on Setanta Sports.

Mayo officials are understandably keen to draw a large attendance for the first inter-county fixture under floodlights at the redeveloped Castlebar venue.

But Castlebar Town Council's decision to grant retention planning permission for the development has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala by the McHale Road Residents Association.

With legal discussions ongoing, Mayo GAA Secretary Sean Feeney said "we will know the situation within the next day or two".