PREVIEW: Mayo schools set for huge week in Connacht Championships

This may prove to a pivotal week for Mayo schools in the hugely exciting Connacht Post Primary Schools championships.

The race to succeed St Colman's as the A champions is wide open right now with new arrivals, St Muredach's and Roscommon CBS making huge inroads while St Gerald's have started well and will fancy their chances if they can win again this week.

St Colman's began the campaign to retain their crown last Wednesday and were defeated on home soil by CBS who have just returned to the A division.

Likewise, Muredach's have started well and after getting the better of St Jarlath's in the opening round they'll be aware that another win will secure them a place in the knock-out stages.

Big games take place in all three A groups this week. On Friday at 11.30pm, in Group 3, St Gerald's travel to Claregalway to take on the home side who were well-beaten by Leitrim Schools in the opening round.

If Gerald's react to last week's big beating in the Flanagan Cup Final, by winning on the road they should make the knock-out stages after defeating Sligo Schools in their first game.

In Group 3, Ballinrobe, who were beaten by Summerhill two weeks ago must defeat Muredach's in their clash in Bekan at 12.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

Defeat for Ballinrobe will almost certainly eliminate them and will leave the Moyisders on the cusp of a semi-final place.

Rice College begin their Group 1 campaign with a difficult trip to Roscommon CBS where they a win would leave them ideally positioned before they face St Colman's in Westport on December 10.

FIERCE COMPETITION

The competition is equally fierce in the B championship where the difference between progression and elimination is very narrow.

Ballyhaunis host Colaiste Chíaráin from Athlone in a must-win game on Wednesday at 12.30pm. The East-Mayo students have to win after being narrowly edged out by St Attracta's in Tubbercurry two weeks ago.

St Louis, Kiltimagh were beaten by Clonfert College in Ballinsloe in the opening round and will be determined to get the better of scoil Mhuire, Strokestown on Wednesday.

In the C Championship both Gortnor Abbey and Balla Secondary School will go in search of victory. Balla will travel to Carrick-on-Shannon to take on the local community school while Gortnor Abbey will welcome Colla to Crossmolina.

There are tow big all-Mayo clashes this week in the D Championship. Our Lady's Belmullet will host St Tiernan's from Crossmolina on Wednesday at 12.30pm and the following Day, their neighbours, St Brendan's will roll out the red carpet for Sancta Maria from Louisburgh at 11.30am.