Mayo Club Championship draw reaction: Junior joust impossible to call

It required a replay before Cill Chomain took home the McDonnell Cup last season.

This year's competition will be equally hard-fought. Bonniconlon, Kiltimagh, Swinford and Eastern Gaels are tipped for the title but forecasts make little difference.

WATCH: Mayo News reaction to Junior Football Championship draw

GROUP 1

Bonniconlon, Ardagh, Killala, Ballycroy, Ballycastle

They were a kick of the ball from glory last season, but Bonniconlon must start again this year and build a ladder to the stars. They should comfortably progress to the quarter-finals from this group but who joins them is anyone's guess as this race will produce three quarter-finalists, so everyone will fancy their chances.

Ardagh are regular quarter-finalists and if they have a fit James Carr in their armoury they'll be hoping to do much more than just get to the last eight. Killala have more talent in their ranks than most teams and could very well be the championship dark horses. Ballycroy have been knocking on the door for the past few years and play a fine brand of football.

They defeated Ardagh in last year's group stages, and if they get everyone on the pitch they could very well progress to the knock-out phase. Ballycastle, have the players to beat anyone on their day, but like many other clubs, face numerical challenges.

Bonniconlon and any two from the other four will progress.

GROUP 2

Kiltimagh, Tourmakeady, Northern Gaels, Kilmovee

It's not so long ago that Kiltimagh were contesting a succession of intermediate finals, now they must start the climb out of junior football. The men from Gilmartin Park won't get anything easy in the race for the McDonnell Cup, but they're assembling a group capable of giving this competition a real shot.

The 'Malee Derby' will be hugely intriguing when Kiltimagh meet Tuar Mhic Éadaigh and their former attacking star Ronan Malee.

The men in blue should advance from this group, but who will accompany them remains to be seen. Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will certainly fancy their chances. The Gaeltacht men have been building over the past few seasons and may now be poised to make a serious impact.

Northern Gaels had a very good innings last season and will be hoping to repeat the trick this time. It may be easier said than done, but they have the talent to do so.

Kilmovee, can take out anyone on their day. They'll relish the challenge of facing the other three and welcoming anyone to the eastern kingdom.

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GROUP 3

Swinford, Eastern Gaels, Achill, Shrule Glencorrib

THIS is tough. Two semi-finalists, the B champions and a sleeping giant. Swinford have been energised by the arrival of former Kilmeena manager John Reilly as head-coach. They have a goal and a focus. Whether they can achieve their objective remains to be seen.

Eastern Gaels have all the tools to win the title – talent, experience, youth and desire. They've been progressing each season, but the time for delivery is approaching and they have a hunger to make a serious impression this season.

Achill are sick of winning the B championship. They want to have a real cut at the big prize and if they get rolling they're good enough to make an impression. Shrule Glencorrib endured an annus horibilis last season and there's a determination to rectify that this time out. Keep an eye on the men from the borderlands.