PREDICTIONS: Four sides one step away from Mayo Junior final

The hunt for the Pete McDonnell Cup is on as the battle for Mayo junior glory really heats up. Here, Ronan O’Donnell looks at this weekend's clashes while attempting to call the clashes.

ARDAGH V KILTIMAGH

Saturday, October 4, at 2 pm in Foxford

Just down from Intermediate ranks last season, Kiltimagh are attempting to bounce up immediately, and they seem to be clicking at the right time.

Mick Regan’s side were 2/1 underdogs as they travelled to Glencorrib, where the bordermen awaited. However, in the narrowest of margins, Kiltimagh progressed, and now they are just 120 minutes away from glory.

The boys in blue have plenty of experience in their ranks, as well as a freshness of youth blossoming. Fionnan Burke is one, as the talented attacker showed his class by kicking the winner last time out. Ardagh, on the other hand, have been ticking along nicely with Lee Traynor leading the way for the North Mayo men in the scoring department.

Brothers Joe, Brendan and James Carr are all fine players, as is team captain Stephen Rochford. Just weeks before the Championship kicked off, this Ardagh team got their hands on silverware as they claimed the Division Three league title, which was a major boost of confidence to Paul Moran’s men.

Before a ball was kicked this year, Kiltimagh were hot favourites to go all the way, but along their journey, they suffered surprise defeats to Tourmakeady and Northern Gaels.

That said, they did impress against Shrule Glencorrib last time out. A tight game can be expected here, but Lee Traynor and James Carr can drive Ardagh into the final.

VERDICT: Ardagh

BONNICONLON V EASTERN GAELS

Sunday, October 5, at 2 pm in Parke

Last year’s beaten finalists are here, but the big question is, can Bonni’ bounce and hop into the decider? This clash with the Gaels should be a real tough battle when the sides meet in West Mayo.

Nobby McLoughlin’s Booniconlon side are a well-seasoned and tough team with the likes of Jonathan Lavelle, Niall Greavy and Richard Mc Kenzie all bringing a major physicality boost to the middle area.

Wing back Conor Igoe is up there with one of the best club players around, as his running from deep often causes headaches for opposition sides.

Wesley Loftus and Ciaran Gaughan are reliable scorers, while at the back, the men from the shadows of the Ox mountains are solid.

However, the Gaels are lively to say the least. Up top, they have Senan Guilfoyle, a real natural forward who has a sharp eye for the posts.

Michael McGarry, Evan Godfrey and Ethan Owens are influential players for Paul Hickey’s side as they set out to claim the Junior title, which they have never won in their 41-year history.

One would assume the tight, tigerish Bonniconlon defence will attempt to have Senan Guilfoyle gobbled up, and his performance may have a massive say on the final outcome. Bonniconlon will be slight favourites, but this could go the distance.

VERDICT: Bonniconlon