Drums beat loudly in the Junior jungle: Mayo Junior Football Championship Preview

When Bonniconlon met Cill Chomain in last year’s final, it was so close they had to have two goes at it. The second installment required extra time to separate the sides, so there’s no plain-sailing when it comes to junior football.

The junior championship in Mayo is a tricky one to win, however once a team claims the Pete McDonnell Cup, they can go on a journey. Look at Kilmeena, the West Mayo side were stuck in the junior jungle for numerous years, but when they made the breakthrough with victory over Cill Chomain in 2021, they finished off as All-Ireland Champions. John Reilly also led the club to back to back intermediate finals and won the second one. Look at Balla, they won the junior crown in 2018 and moved on up. Nowadays, they are seen as a stable senior team relishing the challenge of mixing it with the heavy hitters.

It takes a toll on any team to win a championship, but the Junior one is a dogfight. It requires resilience, character, and pure grit to conquer the ranks and climb up those steps to raise the McDonnell Cup into the air. This season's championship will be no different, and it’s harder than ever to predict a winner.

After 15 years operating at the Intermediate grade, Kiltimagh have fallen into the junior pot, but the big question is, can they rise again and complete the immediate jump back up. The East Mayo side are seen as the outright favourites but there are no guarantees with plenty of teams having an eye for glory. 

Last year’s finalists were Bonniconlon and if all goes to plan they will be sure to be in the mix when the business end of the season kicks in. There are plenty of exciting teams out there such as Swinford under the watchful eye of John Reilly and Eastern Gaels who are full of youth and seem to be on the up. Is it their time to shine? James Carr has stepped away from the Mayo setup and while he is injury free for the first time entering the championship since 2014, he could have a massive say for Ardagh. Other teams who will be sure to fancy their chances are Shrule Glencorrib and Killala. It’s hard to call the winner - expect plenty of twists and turns as at the end of the day, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. 

VOTE: Who will win the Mayo GAA Junior Football Championship?

GROUP 1

This five team gathering of Ardagh, Bonniconlon, Killala, Ballycroy and Ballycastle consists of all North Mayo clubs in what will no doubt turn into a dogfight to reach the knockout stages. Last year’s beaten finalists Bonniconlon will fancy their chances to top the group while Ardagh and Killala won’t be far away in the chasing pack. Although Ballycroy have some extremely talented forwards and a host of Conways who know where the posts are, they will be seen as underdogs along with Ballycastle who have appeared to struggle in recent times. 

GROUP 2

Fresh from their relegation last season, Kiltimagh will be raring to go this time round as they set out to be promoted straight away. The East Mayo side are hot favourites to win the Championship out and if all is well, they should top this group. Who will join them? Northern Gaels are an improving side and did well last season. They are joined by Touramkeady and Kilmovee. Many would assume the battle for the second spot will be between Northern Gaels and Tourmakeady, they meet next Saturday in what will be a hugely competitive affair. It’s junior football, and after all, it’d be unwise to rule out Kilmovee. 

GROUP 3

If ever there was a group of death, this is it. Realistically all four teams have a very good chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. The youth of Eastern Gaels could well be to the fore and as they have former Galway star John Donnellan in their ranks as a coach. They could go well. Shrule Glencorrib seem to be rejuvenated with youth after a poor season last year and they could prove hard to beat. Swinford only a few years back in the junior grade and have All Ireland winning manager John Reilly amongst their coaching ticket. They could rally under the Kilmeena native. However, the men from the island will also be sure to have a say. Achill are often extremely competitive when championship kicks in, and they face Eastern Gaels next this weekend in a battle that could set the tone.

CONCLUSION

Picking a winner isn't as easy as it seems. Kiltimagh, Bonniconlon, Eastern Gaels and Ardagh will be amongst the favourites while Swinford, Shrule Glencorrib and Killala won’t be far away. However, after all, it's championship football and there’s nothing guaranteed, but one thing is for sure, the rollercoaster is about to start. 

READ MORE: The toughest race of them all: Preview of Mayo Intermediate Football Championship Round 1