PREDICTIONS: Final-day drama in Mayo LGFA Championships

This Sunday is a seismic one in the Mayo LGFA calendar. At 11 am, 24 clubs will leave everything on the field as they bid to end the group stage of the Mayo Club Championships on a high.

In many instances, the drama, intrigue, and stakes are at a higher peak than ever.

Here, we'll run you through every game in the Senior, Intermediate, and Junior grades. As always, we'll have updates from around the grounds here, as well as in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.

SENIOR

GROUP A

Westport v Charlestown

This is a big one for the Sarsfields, as they are in dire need of a win or draw to stand any chance.

They're coming up against a formidable force in Westport, though. Once again, Pop Geraghty's women were unplayable against Carnacon, and it'll take some team to beat them in Mayo, or potentially beyond, in 2025.

You'd have to back them to win, and well, here.

VERDICT: Westport

Carnacon v Castlebar Mitchels

This will be an almighty battle. The Mitchels showed well against the Sarsfields in Josie Munnelly Park on Sunday, but they know that to stand any chance of avoiding relegation, they'll need a win.

They also know that if they win and Westport win as expected against Charlestown, then a seven-point swing on scoring difference will come into play and could see them progress in second.

I don't foresee that happening, though. Carnacon had a poor showing against the 2024 queens, but I predict them showing more of what they did in Week One.

VERDICT: Carnacon

GROUP B

Hollymount v Knockmore

Both sides are guaranteed to finish at separate ends of the table, making this game somewhat of a redundancy.

2024 finalists Knockmore are building nicely, and Amy O'Connor, Sarah Mulvihill and co won't be taking the foot off the gas.

Hollymount will see the visit of Knockmore as a chance to challenge themselves ahead of the imminent relegation playoff, but they won't have anything easy in this one.

VERDICT: Knockmore

Kilmovee v Burrishoole

This is a straight shootout for the second spot, and there will be plenty of tension when the Burrishoole brigade rock up to Kilmovee.

Burrishoole showed what they were capable of when Hollymount came to Newport, and Ava Palasz was on fire as they put their opponents to the sword.

However, Kilmovee are primed to tear into them, and they showed some healthy signs when they travelled to Saint Joseph's Park.

On the balance of performances against Knockmore, I'll side with the hosts on this one.

VERDICT: Kilmovee

INTERMEDIATE

GROUP A

Kilmoremoy v Claremorris

This is a game where Claremorris will be looking to keep up momentum ahead of the last-four, while Kilmoremoy will be trying to build some momentum ahead of their relegation final.

Claremorris, spearheaded by the unplayable Bree Hession, have shown so much pedigree, and will see any game no matter the relevance as a chance to send a statement to all comers.

In fact, I reckon they'll do just that to the side at the antipode of the table.

VERDICT: Claremorris

Louisburgh v Aghamore

This is essentially a preliminary knock-out game at this rate. 

Both sides have shown plenty of positive signs, but that will count for naught if they aren't in the hat at 1 pm on Sunday afternoon. A fine second-half showing against Kilmoremoy shows what Mark Wade's girls are capable of, while Aghamore ran one of the contenders to win the whole thing outright close.

This one is too close to call for me. In the end, I'm backing a draw, which will see Aghamore through.

VERDICT: Draw

GROUP B

Moy Davitts v Davitts

Moy Davitts know a win will see them in good stead, but are looking over their shoulders knowing if Ballyhaunis manage to best MacHale Rovers, they'll need to win big to usurp a twelve-point score difference deficit.

Davitts are also in dire need of a result, but they've had a horrible first two games, evidenced by a -32 score difference.

Based on recent showings, Moy Davitts will triumph, but time will tell if that'll be enough.

VERDICT: Moy Davitts

Ballyhaunis v MacHale Rovers

If Moy Davitts are to do the business in Foxford, a win is essential for Ballyhaunis to claw themselves into the equation.

They've shown plenty of pedigree this campaign, and weren't a million miles away from Moy Davitts.

However, MacHale Rovers look a cut above. With Sinead Walsh in their armoury, they'll be fearless against whoever they face.

It'll be tight, because the hosts absolutely need this, but the star power in those maroon jerseys will see them over the line.

VERDICT: MacHale Rovers

JUNIOR

GROUP A

Saint Brigid's v Kilmeena

The route back to the final for Saint Brigid's took a serious hit for Brigid's last weekend against Parke-KC, and they need to get a win to leave their destiny in their own hands.

That could prove easier said than done, though, as Kilmeena need nothing short of a win to stand a chance of survival.

I don't foresee that happening, though.

VERDICT: Saint Brigid's

The Neale v Parke-KC

Parke-KC showed their credentials to have a real cut at this grade once more, when they usurped last year's finalists Saint Brigid's on the road.

They could find it tricky against The Neale, who have every chance of topping the group with a win here.

However, I'd foresee Kieran Hughes' ladies to fall just short.

VERDICT: Parke-KC

GROUP B

Breaffy v Balla

This is a huge one for Breaffy. Sunday morning is essentially a shootout for both them and Swinford-Killasser for top spot, as if they both have the same result, it will come down to whoever has the most points over the bar across the three games.

They're neck and neck in this, and I foresee them getting the win here.

Balla looked solid against Westport 'B', but Breaffy are a different proposition.

VERDICT: Breaffy

Swinford-Killasser v Westport 'B'

It's been a rough campaign for Westport's second side, and they are guaranteed to finish rock bottom.

On the other side of the coin, Swinford-Killasser are aiming to bounce back to Intermediate, and know they need to outshoot Breaffy.

I think they'll do just that, and put Westport to the sword in the process.

VERDICT: Swinford-Killasser