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Final countdown: Meet the Mayo team hoping to end All-Ireland drought

Dublin loom large next Sunday in Croke Park.

* (Based on team which started in the semi-final against Tyrone)

1. Robert Hennelly (Breaffy)

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Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

An unlikely figure between the posts given that he only entered the fray midway through the season. A fine netminder who has seized his chance.

2. Tom Cunniffe (Castlebar Mitchels)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Did not feature in the 2012 All-Ireland decider but has added to the defence this year with his physicality and aggression.

3. Ger Cafferkey (Ballina)

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Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

One of several players from the 2006 All-Ireland U21 winning side and has grown in stature to command the edge of the square.

4. Chris Barrett (Belmullet)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Has burst into the starting outfit this year in impressive style. Was the surprising source of scores when Mayo were in trouble against Tyrone.

5. Lee Keegan (Westport)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Firmly established now as a key component in the Mayo side, the Westport club man was another to point the way early against Tyrone.

6. Donal Vaughan (Ballinrobe)

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The incisive runs of Vaughan have been a plank of Mayo’s attacking play in 2013, notching goals against Galway and Donegal.

7. Colm Boyle (Davitts)

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INPHO/Cathal Noonan

His strength and tenacity will be vital ingredients for Mayo as they seek to combat Dublin’s powerful half-forward line.

8. Aidan O’Shea (Breaffy)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

A strong contender for Footballer of the Year, the younger O’Shea has been magnificent and is a huge imposing presence in the middle.

9. Seamus O’Shea (Breaffy)

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INPHO/Cathal Noonan

The elder O’Shea has been really influential at midfield, emerging after a few seasons where injuries lead to him being on the periphery.

10. Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore)

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Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Has developed impressively with his link play important to Mayo’s cause. Needs to be sharp on frees after that poor early miss against Tyrone.

11. Keith Higgins (Ballyhaunis)

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Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

The relocation of Higgins has been one of James Horan’s shrewdest moves. Offers energy and dash to the Mayo forward line.

12. Alan Dillon (Ballintubber)

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INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Endured injury problems early in the year but has worked his way back into form. Still a big figure in this Mayo team.

13. Cillian O’Connor (Ballintubber)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

The big injury concern before this final and Mayo’s anxiety about him is a reflection of his free scoring form and offensive leadership in 2013.

14. Alan Freeman (Aghamore)

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Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Stepped up against Tyrone to post his best Mayo display since his debut against Sligo in 2010. Will have major role if O’Connor is absent.

15. Andy Moran (Ballaghaderreen)

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Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Missed last year’s final through injury and will relish this occasion. Form has dipped this year but remains the heartbeat of this Mayo outfit.

GAA remain hopeful of bringing an NFL game to Croke Park

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