Daniel Carey

HAVING a Mayo team in the League of Ireland by 2020 is among the eye-catching proposals put forward in the Mayo Football League’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020.

The plan – which was launched by Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar last Saturday – also aims to have a Mayo representative team in the National U-17 League for the 2017 season, and an U-19 team by 2019.

“What’s here are just words on ... paper,” said Mayo League chairman Pádraig McHale. “It’s the actions that go with them for the next five years that will make them a reality, and will improve the game for ourselves, the people who play it, the people who watch it, and the people who follow it.”

The league suggests inviting three League of Ireland clubs to a locally-based tournament involving a Mayo team by 2017, and sets out an ambition to ‘host at least two international matches’ in Milebush Park by 2020.

That’s also the timeline given for the introduction of a Western Champions Cup involving the winners of the Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo/Leitrim leagues.

John Delaney hailed the Mayo League as ‘very progressive’ and ‘probably one of the most professional leagues in the country’. The CEO commended the committee for their work on the plan and concluded: “I look forward to working with you to ensure that ye reach all these objectives between now and 2020.”

The installation of floodlights on the main pitch at Milebush Park and the construction of a covered spectator area at the nearby Astroturf pitch are also recommended.

A new web site, the establishment of a communications team and an annual yearbook and fixtures diary are among the immediate priorities, while there are also proposals to improve support for clubs and introduce a school of football based at Milebush.

Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Holmes, hailed the ‘fantastic work’ done by the Mayo League and said he knew that with the league’s record, the plan would be put ‘into action’.