PREDICTIONS: Mayo LGFA Championships reach fever pitch

This weekend is truly a 'do-or-die' one in the Mayo LGFA Championships.

At the end of this weekend, six teams will be downbeat and disconsolate as they stare at the end of their campaigns.

For six others, though, they will stand one hour away from being adorned with the greatest title of all: county champions.

Here, we'll cast our thoughts on who we think will punch their tickets to the county final in what promises to be a hectic weekend.

All games are taking place on Sunday at 11 am, with the exception of Knockmore v Castlebar Mitchels, which throws in at 10.30 am.

SENIOR

Knockmore v Castlebar Mitchels

Castlebar Mitchels made history last weekend when they broke their own cycle of yo-yoing between Senior and Intermediate, simultaneously booking their own place in the semi-finals as a result.

They were incredible in the driving Clogher rain against Carnacon, but were a touch wasteful in front of the sticks, which won't fly on Sunday in Saint Joseph's Park.

If there's anything Knockmore haven't been this campaign, it's inefficient, and Amy O'Connor's eye for the back of the onion bag epitomises this.

If the hosts perform to the level they're capable of, they'll be in the decider.

VERDICT: Knockmore

Westport v Burrishoole

Burrishoole recovered from their loss to an impressive Knockmore team and put in strong showings in Rounds Two and Three to see themselves into second spot.

They'll have a hard task against the 2024 county champions, who have looked a cut above all who have come before them in their group.

Whether it's the red-hot Aoife Staunton at the top of the park or the rock-solid defence spearheaded by Nicola O'Malley, they are a fearful opponent for any team in the land.

I expect them to have too much here and set up a repeat of last year's decider.

VERDICT: Westport

INTERMEDIATE

Claremorris v Ballyhaunis

This is a mouth-watering clash in the battle for glory, and it's hard to back a particular horse in this race.

On one hand, the hosts from the banks of Clare Lake have been exemplary. Their rampant wins against Kilmoremoy and Louisburgh show an ability to tear sides apart on their day, while a narrow win over Aghamore in Round Two demonstrates a capability to win ugly.

On the other side of this close-run thing is Ballyhaunis. Even in their loss to fellow contenders Moy Davitts, they proved they can mix it with the big guns.

This one could go to extra time, but on the basis of performances so far, I'd back this youthful Claremorris group to progress.

VERDICT: Claremorris

MacHale Rovers v Aghamore

This is another one which looks nigh-on impossible to call.

Aghamore's travelling soldiers were a cut above all that came before them in Group A, with the exception of Claremorris, and even then, they put the girls in blue to the pin of their collar.

Meanwhile, the Rovers are coming into this one having topped the other group. They were one of the favourites from the get-go, and with the likes of Sinead Walsh in their armoury, they'll be dangerous.

It'll be tight, with both of these squads displaying a propensity for the incredible, but I'll just be siding with the hosts.

VERDICT: MacHale Rovers

JUNIOR

Parke-KC v Balla

Group A had an exhilarating denouement, but at the end, Parke-KC stood atop the pile, securing themselves a home quarter-final.

Balla, though, weren't too nifty themselves on the other side, and outside of their game against Swinford-Killasser, showed plenty of pedigree.

There are plenty of strings to the bow of both of these clubs, and they both possess attributes to go all the way.

However, when all is said and done, you'd just back Parke-KC to punch their ticket to the final.

VERDICT: Parke-KC

Swinford-Killasser v Saint Brigid's

This is a clash of two of the sides who would have been backed to go all the way from the outset.

On one side stands last year's side relegated from Intermediate. Swinford-Killasser have shown themselves to be a cut above many of the sides at this level, and are primed and ready to take the next step this weekend.

On the other side, though, are one of the top teams at this level. The orange-clad troops of Saint Brigid's are determined to make up for lost time, and with the likes of Ava McDonnell out on the turf, they represent a serious threat.

In fact, I'd back them to make it back-to-back in the deciders. However, this game promises to be an absolute war in Swinford Amenity Park.

VERDICT: Saint Brigid's