PREDICTION: Kiltimagh carry Mayo football hopes in Connacht final

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins titles.

On Saturday afternoon, the men from Gilmartin Park in Kiltimagh will travel to Carrick on Shannon to take on Aughavas in the Connacht junior decider at 1.30 pm.

Coming into the game, the Mayo kingpins will hold the favourites tag after their dramatic win in Ballyforan against St Croan’s.

In the way of Kiltimagh stand Aughavas of Leitrim who are the first Leitrim side in a Connacht Final since 2016 and the first Leitrim club to reach the Junior final since 2010 when Elsin lost out to Parke.

One thing this Kiltimagh team has in abundance is determination, belief and real grit.

It has been far from plain-sailing this year as Kiltimagh suffered shock defeats to Tourmakeady and Northern Gaels in the group stages.

However, since then, Mick Regan’s men have been making huge strides including a convincing win over Eastern Gaels in the county decider. 

Kiltimagh’s opponents on Saturday went through the Leitrim Championship kicking 20 points on average.

Wing back, Eanna McNamara is a senior inter-county player and a speedy defender while up front, the Shortt brothers Adrian and Darren, are fine attackers. 

Kiltimagh on the other hand are a solid outfit from Mattie Cummins in defence to Paul Kelly at midfield, but the main scoring threat is former Mayo minor Fionnan Burke.

If Burke, Conor Mallee and Thomas Keegan receive the ball, they could do damage for the boys in blue.

Texas-based Aidan Cosgrave made a big difference in the county final and word on the street is he could feature, which will be a massive boost for Kiltimagh’s chances. 

VERDICT: KILTIMAGH