PREDICTIONS: Kiltimagh one hour from All-Ireland Junior final

The great basketball player Michael Jordan once said “Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”

On Saturday, the men from Gilmartin Park are just one hour away from reaching Croke Park, where an All-Ireland final awaits.

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However first, the East Mayo men must get over Tyrone and Ulster champions Clogher Eire Óg who are a talented bunch.

Six weeks ago, Mick Regan’s Kiltimagh travelled to Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada when they went up against Leitrim’s finest from Aughavas.

That day, the Mayo men raced out of the blocks in spectacular fashion and as they built up a lead, the Leitrim champions failed to reel them in.

On that occasion, Kiltimagh looked good as they produced a solid all round performance.

On Saturday, it’s a return to Carrick on Shannon for the Kiltimagh contingent as they get set to lock horns with the men from the red hand county.

The Tyrone men have had some narrow victories of late as Ciaran Bogue’s late strike secured their spot in Saturday’s game. In the Ulster quarter-final, Clogher overcame Derry champions Slaughtmanus 5-15 to 2-8.

In the Ulster last four, the side managed by Steven Mc Kenna and Kevin F McConnell overcame Donegal outfit Carndonagh.

That day, extra time was needed but the Tyrone men came away victorious on a scoreline of 1-24 to 3-13.

Clogher went up against Emyvale of Monaghan in the Ulster decider and in narrow fashion, they secured silverware by a
single point.

The Ulster champions then played London kingpins Tara and the side from across the water gave the Ulster men a serious fright.

Shay Rafter, whose father proudly wore the Cill Chomain jersey before moving to London, was excellent on the evening for Tara but Clogher advanced narrowly thanks to Ciaran Bogue’s late point.

Now, the maroon of Clogher Eire Óg and the blue of Kiltimagh are set for battle in the home of Leitrim football where a large attendance will surely witness an intriguing battle.

Coming into the game, the Mayo side are the favourites and although they haven't had competitive game-time in six weeks, one favours Kiltimagh to make it back to Croke Park where they featured in the 2009/2010 decider.

However it won’t be easy and Kiltmagh’s opponents have real talent especially in attack. Ciaran Bogue is a former Tyrone underage star and was heavily involved in recent All Ireland victories for the Red Hand.

Full forward Marc McConnell and the McCaugheys, Michael and Ryan, are talented forwards but Kiltimagh can use their powerful running style to great effect.

Former Mayo underage players Aidan and Donovan Cosgrave are nowadays based overseas but it’s rumoured the pair could well feature for Mick Regan’s side.

If the brothers are to play, they will provide an almighty boost to the boys in blue. The Kelly brothers, Liam and Paul, have been crucial all season and with Conor Mallee, Fionnan Burke and Tomas Keegan all in good form in attack, Kiltimagh can fly the flag high for Mayo and Connacht.

With a spot in next week’s All Ireland Final on the line, a close game is expected.

VERDICT: KILTIMAGH