Picture credit: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE

Rob Hennelly

Ahead of Mayo’s National Football League Division 1 opener, away to Kerry, Mayo goalkeeper Rob Hennelly gives us the story behind one of his favourite pictures from last year.

 

“This is one of my favourite pictures from last season, from the Connacht Final above in Castlebar against Galway.

It was actually an important enough time in the game, midway through the second half, and Galway had a bit of a run on us, so I didn’t want them to get a buzz off a goal.

Shane Walsh stepped up and kicked  it low to my right. I read it correctly and kept it out.

I have no issue with letting out a bit of a roar and a celebration after something like this as it’s good to express yourself and how much it means to you. I hate conceding goals, so when I get a little win like this I like to enjoy it!

I did check myself soon after though because there was a ’45 to deal with and that time can be your most vulnerable time as a goalie, straight after making a good save or after your team scores a goal.

It was also very significant for me too because six years to the day previously, I had saved a penalty in the minor Connacht final. All that week I had imagined Shane Walsh getting a penalty so when it happened I was confident.

Unfortunately coming into the All Ireland Semi-final replay against Kerry I hadn’t thought enough about Kerry getting one penalty, never mind two!  I definitely won’t make that mistake again!”