Analysis: Intermediate Mayo club championship

They say it's the hardest competition to win in Mayo football. Potential champions lurk everywhere and all 16 teams harbour hopes of going home with the Sweeney Cup when the final whistle is blown on a hugely exciting competition.

Michael Gallagher, Head of Sport of The Mayo News, throws an eye over the four groupings and the teams looking to win the title and move on to senior football.

GROUP 1

Moy boys and one more to progress:
Moy Davitts, Louisburgh, Crossmolina, Lahardane MacHales

New arrivals Lahardane couldn't have got a more testing group if they tried. Moy Davitts will be many people's favourites to win the whole competition. Louisburgh have the potential to win it all and Crossmolina are something of a sleeping giant. Few will expect last year's junior champions to finish in the top two of this quartet and with Moy Davitts hotly fancied to advance it remains to be seen whether Louisburgh or the men from the banks of the Deel accompany them to the last eight.

Crossmolina were extremely diappointed to be knocked out by Castlebar B last year and will look to remedy that while Louisburgh showed their potential when defeating eventual champions Kilmeena during the 2023 group stages.

Lahardane will host Crossmolina in a Nephin-derby on opening day while Louisburgh will travel to Foxford to take on Moy Davitts.

GROUP 2

Don't write off Davitts:
Castlebar Mitchels, Hollymount Carramore, Davitts, Kiltimagh

Kiltimagh stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season, but they're expected to be better this time out. Therefore there will be no easy games in this group. Mitchels and Hollymount Carramore are the top seeds but Davitts will pay absolutely no heed to that. The men from Ballindine will glory in the underdog role and anyone who bets against them will have little regard for their finances. Hollymount Carramore will have new management in charge for this campaign and have serious quality in their ranks, therefore Mitchels B will have it all to do to repeat their heroics of last season. However, never bet against a team managed by Kevin Filan. Great adventures await.

The opening day's action will set the tone. Davitts travel to Castlebar where victory is paramount for both while Kiltimagh will host Hollymount Carramore in Gilmartin Park.

GROUP 3

All over bar the shouting?
Ballinrobe, Parke, Kiltane, Kilmaine

This group seems done and dusted before it starts. It would be hard to argue against Ballinrobe and Parke being nailed-on certainties to fill the top two spots in this group. However, bet against Kiltane and Kilmaine at your peril. That said, it's hard to see past the top two when tickets to the quarter-finals are being handed out.

Ballinrobe came within a kick to a ball of last year's title and Parke are quarter-finalists year after year. Both sides are being talked about as potential winners already and are expected to have a big say in the destination of silverware.

The opening matches will have a huge impact. Kiltane make the long trek to Kilmaine and Parke host Ballinrobe. Two intriguing matches to get things underway and everything will be much clearer when the dust settles at the end of day-one.

GROUP 4

Burrishoole might fancy their chances:
The Neale, Islandeady, Ardnaree Sarsfields, Burrishoole

All four will fancy their chances of at least making the quarter-finals after being drawn together. The Neale have just arrived from senior ranks and will want to make a quick return to the top table, but can take absolutely nothing for granted. Islandeady are exciting and have great potential when everyone is on the pitch while Ardnaree and Burrishoole are renowned battlers who have survived relegation scares in recent seasons. The Neale and Islandeady will be hot favourites to progress, but the other two will love to hear this and Burrishoole, in particular may cause an upset.

The men from Clew Bay will host Islandeady in McGovern Park in the opening round where a very warm welcome will await them. At the same time, The Neale will make the trip to the top of the hill in Ardnaree to take on the home boys.