PREDICTIONS: Mayo Junior Championship race begins to take shape

The race to capture the Pete McDonnell Cup is in full swing as the next round of the Mayo Junior Club Championship comes over the horizon.

Some sides will be looking at this weekend as a golden opportunity to rubber-stamp their place in the knockouts. However, for some others, it’s as simple as win or bust. Here, we’ll run you through all eight games down for decision.

First up, it’s yet another North Mayo derby as Ardagh welcome northern rivals Ballycastle. The visitors will still be soaring high after pulling off one of the shocks of the summer against Killala.

However, big wins can sometimes take a lot out of a team, and when they face James Carr and company coming in off a lengthy break, one feels that the Division Three champions will have too much.

Speaking of Killala, they’ll be smarting, and that could be a dangerous thing for Ballycroy when they make the long journey from Erris. For the barony side, this is a chance to get back on the horse after losing to Bonniconlon and Rory Conway will need a big day if they’re to have a chance. However, Killala will be looking for a statement bounce-back win, and I reckon they’ll get it here.

In Group Two, both Kiltimagh and Tourmakeady recorded healthy enough wins on their opening day and are set for a collision course to potentially decide the group topper.

Tourmak’ had a serious spread of scorers against Northern Gaels, with their bench having a big impact in seeing them through.

However, Kiltimagh have some firepower, and the duo of Cian Gallagher and Stephen McDonnell will need some watching. It’ll be tight, but I’d be backing Kiltimagh to keep their record intact.

The other tie in that group is a huge one, as Kilmovee travel to face Northern Gaels. Peter Horan was unplayable for Kilmovee against Kiltimagh, and if he’s able to put in a similar performance, you’d expect them to have too much for the Gaels.

Lastly, Group Three throws up some absolute humdingers. Both Shrule-Glencorrib and Achill will be on the crest of a wave coming into this game. Achill impressed at times in their draw against Eastern Gaels, while Shrule-Glencorrib weren’t too shabby against Swinford.

Despite the Atlanticsiders' excellent performance, you’d still have to give Luke Lydon and Evan Cawley’s men the nod.

Last, but certainly not least, is Eastern Gaels against Swinford. Both sides are in desperate need of a win after Round One. Accuracy seems to have been an issue for both teams, but having seen Swinford, I’d find it hard to back them here.

There is talent in those ranks, but the likes of Liam Moran and former Mayo underage man Jack Ferguson will need to show more to topple the Gaels.