Looking back at the road to the Mayo intermediate final

At the start of the summer, 16 teams were in contention for the Sweeney Cup. Now, just two remain, with a fascinating South Mayo derby between Ballinrobe and Davitts set to take centre stage on Saturday. Here, we look at how each team reached the final.

Ballinrobe path to final

For Ballinrobe, managed by The Neale clubman Eoin Hughes, the road to the final began in disappointing fashion on August 9. The Robesiders welcomed Ballyhaunis to their home ground for their opening intermediate championship fixture, with last year’s relegated senior side providing the opposition. Despite a competitive first half, Ballinrobe struggled to contain the visitors after the break. Eamon Phillips’ goal proved crucial as Ballyhaunis took control and pulled clear to record a convincing 1-15 to 1-8 victory, leaving the Robesiders with plenty to work on ahead of their next outing which had plenty of interest while local bragging rights were on offer.

On a wonderful Friday evening in South Mayo, a large crowd gathered in St Feichin’s Park in Cong as The Neale hosted Ballinrobe. Both sides lost on the opening day out and there was pressure on both teams as they went in search of a big win that would get the season back on track. Play swayed back and forth earlier on, but Ballinrobe began to boss proceedings. Teenagers Cian May and Barry Langan were excellent around the middle while Rossa Burke who received the maximum 625 points in his leaving cert results hours previous was also prominent. Player of the match Cian O’Connell kicked eight points and was a constant threat in attack. For The Neale, they failed to register a score from outside their full-forward line. In the end, Ballinrobe claimed victory by seven, 0-19 to The Neale’s 0-12.

Ballinrobe kept their championship hopes alive with a dominant 2-20 to 0-8 victory over Castlebar Mitchels B in a winner take all clash in the stunning Tourmakeady. Captain Ewan Duffy led by example, contributing with some well-taken scores as Eoin Hughes’ men booked their place in the knockout stages.

Having finished second to Ballyhaunis in the group, the Robesiders faced a tricky quarter final away to in-form Ardnaree. Despite conceding three early goals, Ballinrobe showed tremendous character, with six two-pointers helping them to a memorable 0-23 to 3-8 victory. Brothers Diarmuid and Ewan Duffy impressed, while Cian May and Evan O’Brien were influential around the middle as Ballinrobe advanced to the semi-finals.

In their most recent outing, Ballinrobe faced tournament favourites Moy Davitts in the semi final in the venue of Garrymore, with the game played under lights in the picturesque South Mayo setting. Eoin Hughes’ men produced an outstanding display to banish last year’s finalists, securing an impressive 0-14 to 0-8 victory. On the evening, Goalkeeper Luke Jennings was instrumental, saving a penalty while also landing two inspirational two pointers from frees. Ewan Duffy kept All Ireland winner Cian McHale quiet, while his younger brother Diarmuid impressed alongside attackers Joe Burke and Cian O’Connell as Ballinrobe booked their place in the final.

Beaten finalists in 2023, Ballinrobe who fell down from the senior ranks in 2017 will be hoping to take the jump in their stride as they get set for a battle with Davitts.

Davitts path to final

On August 8, Davitts got their intermediate championship campaign off to a flying start as they overcame the challenge of Lahardane on home soil. That day, Lahardane’s main scoring threat Shane Finnerty kicked 0-11, however Davitts had the firepower elsewhere as the Treacy brothers, Niall, Ciaran and Shane combined to kick a tally of 2-12 between them. County player Fenton Kelly returned back from the All Ireland celebrations and slotted in nicely around the middle while he scored 1-6 in what turned out to be a convincing victory for the side managed by Mark Concannon. As the full time whistle sounded, Davitts prevailed 3-22 to Lahardane’s 0-15.

Onto the second game, and Davitts faced a tricky task against outright favourites Moy Davitts in Sraith Garbh. The hosts went in at half-time with a six-point advantage, and although Davitts pulled a goal back in the second half, Moy Davitts proved too strong, securing a 0-19 to 1-10 victory. Pat Clarke’s side ultimately did enough to see out the win.

With other results going their way, Louisburgh were guaranteed to finish bottom of the group, while Moy Davitts had secured top spot. That left Davitts and Lahardane battling it out for second place and a spot in the quarter-finals. Davitts faced Louisburgh in Clogher, where goals proved decisive. Niall and Ciaran Treacy both found the net, while Player of the Match Jack Melvin led the charge with an outstanding haul of 2-7. It was a memorable return for the former Mayo underage player, who had spent the summer months residing in Chicago. Moy Davitts edged out Lahardane in a tight encounter, but Davitts’ two victories in the group proved enough to see Concannon’s men progress to the knockout stages, where an away quarter-final awaited.

Ballyhaunis awaited Davitts in East Mayo, but the hosts suffered an early setback when Mayo captain Jack Coyne picked up an injury during the warm-up and was forced to watch from the sidelines. Davitts made the most of the opportunity, with goals from Jack Ronayne, Jack Melvin and Ciaran Treacy proving crucial in a convincing victory. Fenton Kelly also impressed, kicking four points, while Mayo selector and four-time All Star Colm Boyle came off the bench in the second half, bringing his trademark composure and experience to the contest. Davitts ultimately proved too strong, running out comfortable 3-10 to 0-10 winners and continuing their impressive run through the championship.

Next up was the semi-final, where Mark Concannon’s men faced a tough test against Islandeady. After a controversial quarter-final saga with Kiltane that required a replay, Islandeady eventually prevailed in an enthralling extra-time battle in Parke. Having played for three consecutive weeks, Islandeady faced a fresh Davitts side who had enjoyed a three week break. However, Concannon’s men rose to the challenge, with Jack Melvin starring with 1-5 and midfielder Cian Naughton impressing with 2-2. Charlie Phillips was excellent at the back, while 40 year old Colm Boyle brought composure off the bench. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Late goals from Melvin and Naughton sealed Davitts’ place in the final, where an intriguing South Mayo derby now awaits on Saturday.

Intermediate champions in 2011, Liam Kearns and Colm Boyle are still involved from that squad. However, this time, it’s a youthful Davitts side who are to go up against a talented Ballinrobe side.