PREDICTION: Eastern Gaels chase history as Kiltimagh wait in Mayo final

On Sunday afternoon, one of these East Mayo clubs will create history and bring the Pete McDonnell Cup home for the winter. 

The men from Brickens in the Eastern Gaels jerseys are entering their very first county final and the fact that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the club, makes Sunday even more significant.

It will certainly be a seminal moment if the side managed by Paul Hickey claim glory on Sunday afternoon. 

However, a strong Kiltimagh team stand in their way. Before a ball was kicked this year, the men from Gilmartin Park were hot favourites to go all the way. Just down from intermediate ranks, this Kiltimagh side seem to have a nice mix of youth and experience.

The boys in blue have had some blips along their path to the final but now they stand just 60 minutes away from glory. 

Eastern Gaels on the other hand are a young, talented side who are led by Hickey with former Galway footballer John Donnellan in their coaching ranks.

The Gaels have been tipping along nicely, and although they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Shrule Glencorrib in the group stages, they have went about their business in impressive fashion.

Speaking of impressive fashion, the manner in which Eastern Gaels overcame a fancied Bonniconlon team in the semi-final was noteworthy.

Their main man up top, Senan Guilfoyle, who was a member of this year’s Mayo U-20 panel is playing some great football of late and if the Gaels are to do the business, he will be needed to produce his magic.

One could argue that this meeting is of two clubs at the very opposite ends of their trajectories. Kiltimagh who have reached three intermediate finals in the past ten years have fallen down through the grades.

There are various reasons why this is the case with one being emigration. The club has lost numerous players over the years with the likes of the Cosgrave brothers, Donovan and Aidan, springing to mind, however as this junior championship has gone on, the team in blue have got players from abroad back in the squad.

On Sunday, there could be further additions which would be a nice bonus for Mick Regan and the Kiltimagh contingent. 

Founded in 1985, the Eastern Gaels club are on the rise and come Sunday, they could get their hands on the Pete Mc Donnell Cup for the first ever time.

If you look at underage sides in recent times, the combination of Eastern Gaels and Ballyhaunis (St Jarlath’s) have been performing well. In 2023 and 2024, the Gaels weren't far off the summit but now, this is their best shot. 

Coming into the game, Kiltimagh hold the favourites tag and with Fionan Burke catching the eye in attack this campaign, it’s somewhat understandable.

Considering that this crop have experience of finals whether it be Intermediate or underage level, it will be a familiar scenario for many. However, on this occasion, it could be the Eastern Gaels’ time to shine.

Senan Guilfoyle, Michael McGarry and Ethan Owens are hugely talented players and with Guilfoyle to the fore, it could be a joyful and historic evening for the Brickens-based club.

VERDICT: Eastern Gaels