Cillian O'Connor sees consistency as key to success for Mayo in 2024

As Mayo prepare to get their 2024 league campaign underway, a player who has seen it all before is Cillian O'Connor.

The all-time points scorer in the championship, the Ballintubber forward has been involved with Mayo since 2011, and his experience is valued even more by Mayo following further retirements.

Injuries and the emergence of younger forwards have limited O'Connor's playing time in the past few seasons, but he is coming into this weekend's clash against Galway fully-fit.

"I think being injury free is crucial. You want to be available to train and help your teammates and push things on," said O'Connor.

"Obviously, at the weekend, you want to be there for your team when you are needed. It is hard to watch on [from the sidelines]. For 99.99 per cent of sports people, injury is going to be part of it. Thankfully, a clean bill of health at the moment, and touch wood, hopefully keep it that way.

"It was a hamstring issue that dragged on and kept me out. At the moment, I'm really happy with how I've been able to train fully since we came back, and I'm enjoying it."

This summer saw the retirements of Jason Doherty, Kevin McLaughlin and Brendan Harrison, a trio that has delivered at key moments for Mayo over the years.

Combined with younger players settling into the squad, the leadership of O'Connor could become even more important for Mayo, who had to wait for his opportunities this season.

A former Mayo captain, O'Connor said he is enjoying seeing younger players grow and taking on leadership roles.

"It is fresh and it is exciting. I think every team is always in transition. You'd very rarely have two panels that would stay the same, 36 from one year to the next. Every year I've played there has always been a little