Mayo Super League about to kick off

It’s about to kick off


Eight teams will be vying for Super League glory

Daniel Carey

Ballina Town
Manager Alan Gough
One to watch Brendan Lavelle
2010 record Winners

WITH a new face at the helm – ex-Swinford boss Alan Gough – Ballina Town have their sights set on three in a row.  Ex-Moy Villa player John Durkan scored twice in the Charity Shield, while Darragh McCormack also looked lively.
John Mountney has gone to Mervue United, while Brendan Giblin has opted out for now. Emmet Peyton has had an operation and will hopefully play some part this season.
“We’re going into the season fresh for the first time in a while,” says Declan O’Connor, who took temporary charge after Brendan Kenny’s departure, “I think we needed a bit of a break.”
OUR PREDICTION: 3rd

Ballinrobe Town
Manager SeΡn Dunleavy
One to watch Pearse Sweeney
2010 record Premier Div runners-up

“IT’S brilliant to be back up,” says Ballinrobe Town manager SeΡn Dunleavy. “It’s where we want to be, and we’re shaping up pretty well.”
Town have lost Cathal Murphy to GAA commitments, but 2011 marks the return of his fellow Kilmaine man Conor Maloney. Damien Walsh, John Doherty and goalkeeper Paul Tiernan have also joined ahead of what looks set to be a difficult campaign.
“We’ll have to hit the ground running,” says Dunleavy. “Ourselves and Claremorris are probably everyone’s favourites to go down. But we’ve a lot of hard work put in, and we’ll be doing our best to stay up.”
OUR PREDICTION: 8th

Castlebar Celtic
Manager Declan Kilkelly
One to watch Andy Neary
2010 record Fifth

HAVING opted out of the A Championship, Castlebar Celtic will have virtually their full complement as they seek a first Super League title since 2006. “It’s as simple as this – if anybody’s not in it to win it, they shouldn’t be in it,” says manager Declan Kilkelly. “The lads are really looking forward to getting going,”
Peter Dravins has transferred to Mervue United, while Gary Price and Shane Hynes have emigrated. But they’ve signed Theron Coghill from Ballyheane, and ex-S&F duo Alan McDonnell and Gary Byrne (“Looking at Gary, I think potentially, we could have the best ’keeper in Mayo,” says Kilkelly).
OUR PREDICTION: 1st

Claremorris
Manager Michael Hutton
One to watch Derek Glynn
2010 record Premier Div winners

CLAREMORRIS return to the top flight with survival the name of the game. “We need to pick up points when we’re playing those teams around us,” manager Michael Hutton explained. “Anything we get against the ‘big four’ will be a bonus.”
Injuries, emigration and commitments have taken their toll. Danny Broderick has broken his leg; Mark Sullivan is in New Zealand; and they won’t have first call on the three Costello brothers and other GAA players. But they’re boosted by a “big addition” in former League of Ireland player Derek Glynn, and some of last year’s under-18 team may graduate to the adult ranks.
OUR PREDICTION: 7th

Iorras Aontaithe
Manager Michael S Togher
One to watch Brendan Nallen
2010 record Third

“THE Connacht Cup has kept us going over the winter period,” says Iorras Aontaithe manager Michael S Togher. “We’d have loved to go on and win it, obviously, but getting knocked out might be a little blessing in disguise, because it gives the boys a break.”
Iorras have signed Mark Gilbert from Kilmore and John Cafferkey from Inver United, but have also lost players – John Gaughan is in Leeds, Robert Carey is in Bangor, and Shane Nallen has injured his cruciate ligament.
Brendan Nallen, Henry Gaughan, David Reilly, Anthony Mills and Pat Barrett are all back on board – and we mightn’t have seen the last of Eric O’Reilly!
OUR PREDICTION: 4th

Manulla
Manager Paul Large
One to watch Enda McGahon
2010 record Fourth

WITH Manulla in Connacht Cup action as recently as last Sunday, manager Paul Large feels like they’ve “still got one foot” in last season. “It’s a bit like no-man’s land,” he explains.
Promising young players include Mattie Nolan and ex-Sligo Rovers man Conor Corrigan. Enda McGahon has just had an operation, and will be “a great addition” when he returns in four to six weeks. Roger Clarke is still going strong, but they’re set to lose Tommy Walsh, who’s emigrating to Australia at the end of May.
“I’d like to think we would be competing with the best teams – and not dropping silly points,” says Large.
OUR PREDICTION: 5th

Swinford
Manager SeΡn Kavanagh (Temporary)
One to watch Paul Convey
2010 record Sixth

FOLLOWING Alan Gough’s depature for Ballina Town, SeΡn Kavanagh – manager two years ago – is back in charge on a temporary basis, having already signed as a player. The east Mayo side have lost Matt Gallagher and David Brennan due to work commitments.
Neil McNicholas, Gordon Carter, Paul Convey and Richard Dalton are all part of a small, entirely locally-based squad. Swinford had a good, two-month-long pre-season, and consolidation is the name of the game.
Club secretary Val Kenny said there were “no hard feelings” over Gough’s departure. “Alan did a great job for us, and we wish him the best with Ballina,” he said.
OUR PREDICTION: 6th


Westport United
Manager Kieran Mulchrone (Temporary)
One to watch Dave Cameron
2010 record Runners-up

THERE’LL be a new man calling the shots at the Sports Park after Barry Kilgannon stepped down due to work commitments. Kieran Mulchrone takes charge for now.
David Horkan – a huge player for much of last season – has gone abroad, while Gerry McLoughlin is a long-term injury victim. But a number of younger players may well feature – Mark McNally was in the squad last year, and both Liam Staunton and Darren Hoban were in the squad last Sunday.
Having gone two years without winning the Super League trophy, Westport have shown the odd flash of magic in recent times. Celtic’s return will stir their blood too!
OUR PREDICTION: 2nd