Ballyhaunis and Mayo Gaels meet with one hour to avoid dreaded drop

Ballyhaunis v Mayo Gaels

Ballindine

Sunday, October 5, 12 noon

The tension and drama are reaching fever pitch in both Ballyhaunis and Mayo Abbey this weekend, with two proud footballing fraternities teetering on the brink of the abyss this Sunday afternoon.

Both sides will make their way to the side of the N17 knowing that this year has fallen far shorter of their expectations than they would have planned for from the very first training sessions early this year.

However, for both clubs, that will need to be parked immediately. In the coming days, every i will be dotted and t will be crossed as they pedal furiously to stay above the watermark.

On one side of this crucial arm-wrestle stand the Gaels. The men from Mayo Abbey have shown well at times, but you don’t end up in this position for nothing.

They were in the mix against Westport in Round One, but fell away at the final hurdle, while the same could be said for their showing in Parke against Knockmore in the group finale.

They also showed well against the Sarsfields in Claremorris, but, as is so often the case, they couldn’t get to grips with a red-hot Paul Towey.

Ballyhaunis await in the red corner, and are ready to throw the kitchen sink at ensuring they aren’t the ones ending Sunday falling through the trapdoor.

You had to feel sorry for the Easterners at the start of the championship. Being thrown in alongside the premier side in the county in recent seasons, as well as a club walking on clouds after claiming All-Ireland Intermediate honours, and a Garrymore side who are regular fixtures in the last-eight, at least.

We’ve covered how both sides have ended up in this position, but how they get out is the real question.

For Ballyhaunis, they need to show more variation in their play than they did last time out. They may have been well down in the second half of their relegation semi-final, but Aghamore were more than happy to have ‘keeper Adrian Phillips wander into that right pocket before aiming to shoot from range.

They may have gotten one two-pointer for their troubles, but that won’t bring them success on Sunday. They’ll need their forward division to step up and be counted.

On the other side of the coin, consistency is the buzzword. Adam Gallagher is a great forward, as is James Jennings, but in order to stand a chance of survival, a full hour of flat-to-the-mat grit and determination is essential.

Put shortly, Mayo Gaels have to lock in, and I feel that, with the stakes as high as they’ve ever been, they’ll manage to get over the line and banish the Ballyhaunis battalion to Intermediate for 2026.

VERDICT: Mayo Gaels.