Mayo clubs to fly flag high in Connacht hurling fare

This weekend will see Mayo teams contest both the intermediate and junior provincial semi-finals when Tooreen and Moytura carry the county’s hopes into battle.

On Saturday, Tooreen travel overseas to face off with London champions, St Gabriel’s in Ruislip at 1 pm.

The two clubs are well-known to each other at this stage having shared the battlefield previously. The pair first met in Ruislip in 2018 when Tooreen claimed a narrow victory.

They have since met several times in tight, competitive games and on Saturday afternoon, it could be the same with a close game expected in the home of London GAA.

Many of the current Tooreen squad have hurled together from underage level, creating a deep understanding that shows on the field.

Under the guidance of manager Ray Larkin, the team has blended experience and youth. Liam Lavin and the Boland brothers, Shane and Fergal, have been impressive in attack.

Tooreen’s calmness is a key cog in their arsenal and their relentless attitude can only be admired. They showed it in the county final victory over Ballyhaunis and most recently against Four Roads.

St Gabriel’s, who are back-to-back London champions, are a well-prepared and well-balanced side, representing the strength of hurling within the London community which seems to be growing year on year.

All of their players live and work in the city, and their success reflects the health of the GAA abroad. Managed by former player Neil Rogers, they bring structure, fitness, and a clear style that has served them well throughout their campaign.

So far, Ray Larkin’s Tooreen have had a composed win over Four Roads in the quarter-final, where they were forced to be patient in possession before the East Mayo men finished the game strongly.

St Gabriel’s claimed back-to-back London titles with similar control and consistency, so both sides are coming into the semi-final full of confidence. It’s a repeat of last year’s clash which was played in Dr Hyde Park, and this time Tooreen will be hoping they can match the previous outcome. 

Saturday’s game promises another great contest between two proud clubs who share a deep love for hurling, one representing parish pride, the other the strength of the Irish abroad.

Tooreen’s muscle memory and chemistry is formidable while St Gabriel’s look deeper and livelier this time around. Expect a fierce, competitive game, however the Mayo men can use their experience to their advantage and advance to the Connacht decider.

MOYTURA’S MOMENT

Moytura will travel to Ballinasloe for their date with destiny against the home side at 1.30pm. Although Ballinasloe GAA is more of a football-orientated club than a hurling one, a competitive clash is expected when Moytura arrive into town.

Although they missed out in the Mayo junior decider, when the South Mayo men were defeated by Tooreen B they are relishing this opportunity.

Evan and John Heraty have been performing well this season as has Brendan Sheridan. With Sheridan the key man in attack, Moytura will be hoping he can lead the way in the scoring department.

The South Mayo club will bring a lot of colour to Ballinasloe and they’re more than capable of progressing to the final.