PREVIEW: Eight teams set to dance off in huge test in Junior jive

The race for the Pete McDonnell Cup is about to step up a gear when the quarter-finals take place this weekend. Four exciting clashes are down for decision. Here, Ronan O’Donnell has a go at predicting the ties.

The battle of the North

ARDAGH V NORTHERN GAELS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 at 4.30PM

The combination of Kilfian and Lacken made their way into the last eight with a dramatic late showing against Swinford in the play-off. Cathal Boland along with Ruairi and Niall McDonnell are excellent forwards for the Gaels and they will no doubt need watching. Ardagh are the hosts and they should be hard beaten on their home patch. An injury free James Carr has been in fine form in attack and his colleague Lee Traynor has been shooting the lights out in the championship so far. Winning the Division Three league title was a perfect confidence booster heading into championship and now it seems Paul Moran’s side have real momentum behind them. With James Carr and his brothers to the fore, they can drive on and motor to victory but the Northern Gaels will no doubt give an honest performance. However it may not be enough. 

VERDICT: ARDAGH

Clash of the sleeping giants

SHRULE GLENCORRIB V KILTIMAGH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 4.30PM

This promises to be an entertaining clash between two of the biggest clubs in the junior grade. In recent years, Shrule Glencorrib and Kiltimagh operated at a higher level but they are where they are. Before a ball was kicked, the East Mayo men were hot favourites to return to intermediate ranks, but after defeats to Northern Gaels and Tourmakeady, their confidence has taken a step back. However, the boys in blue still possess some high quality players. Shrule Glencorrib on the other hand have been consistent and last time out they overturned Eastern Gaels in a dogfight. The border boys will fancy their chances as they are aided by exciting players such as Stephen Heneghan, Cillian Ryan and Evan Cawley while Luke Lydon is a player to watch around the middle. The hosts may have enough firepower in attack and they can advance to the last four. 

VERDICT: SHRULE GLENCORRIB

Gaels expected to progress

EASTERN GAELS V BALLYCROY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 4.30PM

For the first time since 1987, Ballycroy have reached the last eight and there’s no beating around the bush, it’s a massive achievement for the Erris men, a club with limited resources but mighty spirit and passion. On Saturday, Gerry McNulty and co will embark on the hour and a half journey to Brickens when they will be faced with a stern test as Eastern Gaels await. Stacked with one of the finest forwards in the junior championship, Senan Guifloyle, the Gaels are a very fine side. With players like Michael McGarry and Evan Godfrey operating around the middle, it could be a long evening for the North Mayo men who have Rory Conway, James Deane and Michael Conway in great form. There’s no denying Ballycroy have done well to make it to this stage but this could be the end of the road. Eastern Gaels on the other hand can book their spot in the final four while also building up to the business end of the campaign.

VERDICT: EASTERN GAELS

Fireworks in Tourmakeady

TOURMAKEADY V BONNICONLON

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 2.00

Keep the best to last? This clash has the potential to be one of the tightest of the weekend with not much separating the sides, a competitive affair is expected in the Gaeltacht. It’s worth noting that both managers Shane Moran and Nobby McLoughlin work together and to say they know each other is an understatement. Moran and his Tourmakeady men have had a fine season so far as their unbeaten record catches the eye. Going through the group stages unbeaten and being drawn against the giants that are Bonniconlon is a tough one to take but the men from Lough Mask will relish the challenge of last season’s finalists. Bonniconlon were Intermediate for a long long time and they have some seriously talented players like Conor Igoe, Sean Neary and James Harrington at their disposal. The question is can ‘Bonni hop into the last four? There’s a feeling that this is a golden opportunity for the hosts and in their back yard, they can overcome the North Mayo men. 

VERDICT: TOURMAKEADY

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