Intriguing intermediate tests to be decided this weekend
There are big questions to be answered in the intermediate championship with eight exciting games right around the county.
GROUP ONE
Cill Chomáin v Kiltane
Saturday at 6pm in Belmullet
A battle between two North Mayo rivals. Kiltane have guaranteed a home quarter-final while their Erris counterparts have been underperforming. An interesting neighbourly clash is expected, but Shane Lindsay’s side can maintain their perfect record in the group stages with Liam Donoghue and Josh Carey to the fore.
VERDICT: KILTANE
Hollymount/Carramore v Parke
Sunday at 1pm in Islandeady
THE winner of this will advance to the knockouts but it may be Parke’s attacking spree that will get them over the line here. The South Mayo men will be without the injured Stephen Coen and Parke can capitalise on his absence although a close game can be expected.
VERDICT: PARKE
GROUP TWO
Ballyhaunis v The Neale
Sunday at 3pm in Ballindine
A home quarter-final is already confirmed for Ballyhaunis. Jack Coyne missed out through injury in the win over Castlebar so he mightn't be risked for this one. The Neale can cause problems with their full-forward line of Robbie Hughes, Tommy Conroy and Tom Lydon but the East Mayo men could have enough to contain them.
VERDICT: BALLYHAUNIS
Ballinrobe v Castlebar Mitchels B
Sunday at 3pm in Tourmakeady
THE winner of this seals a spot in the knockouts and there shouldn't be much separating the sides come Sunday afternoon. Ballinrobe are a big physical side with the likes of Cian May, Evan O’Brien and James Murphy all influential around the middle. However, Castlebar have talent both in youth and in experience but it might just be Eoin Hughes’ men that take the jump in their stride.
VERDICT: BALLINROBE
GROUP THREE
Davitts v Louisburgh
Saturday at 6pm in Ballintubber
WITH the return of Jack Melvin from Chicago and Fenton Kelly prominent around the middle, this one can go in Davitts’ favour. The border boys have a talented attack with the Treacy brothers key. Louisburgh are no slouches but have produced two below par performances and will need a mammoth showing to topple Mark Concannon’s men.
VERDICT: DAVITTS
Lahardane v Moy Davitts
Saturday at 6.30pm in Knockmore
Last season's finalists are on a mission and have produced two impressive showings so far. Brian Reape will be an injury doubt but Pat Clarke’s men could still have too much firepower. Lahardane with their own two-point king Shane Finnerty will battle well, but Moy Davitts can take this one in their stride.
VERDICT: MOY DAVITTS
GROUP FOUR
Islandeady v Kilmaine
Saturday at 4pm in Cong
THE winner goes through - simple enough! County man Hugh O’Loughlin has been influential for Kilmaine while Adam Barrett is the main man in attack. Islandeady with Zac Collins and Darragh Joyce will be competitive no doubt. However, one favours the South Mayo men who will know St Feichin’s Park well and Adam Barrett could shine here.
VERDICT: KILMAINE
Ardnaree v Kiltimagh
Saturday at 4pm in Crossmolina
The men from Sean Duffy Park have a home quarter final secured and it seems there is something brewing there. In attack Ethan Convey is a fine footballer while Kenzie McKee, Patrick Mills and Nathan Roddy are big players at the back. Kiltimagh, last season's junior county and provincial champs have been competitive but this is a big ask. Youngster Conor Hession could cause the North Mayo men problems but one favours Liam McHale and Cathal Judge’s side to maintain their perfect form.
VERDICT: ARDNAREE