Looking back at the road to the Mayo junior final

Many people describe the race for the Pete McDonnell as the toughest to navigate in the county. Over the years, teams relegated from the intermediate ranks have struggled to make the jump back up. Examples being Swinford, Bonniconlon and most recently Burrishoole who came down from intermediate last season.

On Sunday afternoon, there is one thing for sure, there will be a first time winner of the junior championship but the question is will it be Eastern Gaels or will it be Ardagh?

Eastern Gaels path to final

For Eastern Gaels, the men from the rural surroundings in Brickens, Bekan and Logboy, the journey started on July 31. That day, the side managed by Peter and Paul Walshe made the journey to the West Mayo Gaeltacht where a tigerish Tourmakeady side awaited fresh from their league triumph. However, that day, the Gaels went home disappointed as the hosts recorded a seven point win, 3-18 to 2-14.

That disappointing performance was left behind them as a home clash was next with Ballycastle. On a wet miserable day, the Gaels weathered the storm and powered to an impressive victory running out 1-20 to 0-4 victors. That win left the East Mayo men in a good position in the group which consisted of five teams.

Another home game was up next in Brickens and the Gaels seemed to excel as they went up against Swinford. Michael McGarry, Dara Flanagan and Connor Grogan all impressed on that occasion as the hosts racked up six goals. Swinford came into the game under pressure after suffering two defeats in the opening two games. However, in the end, Eastern Gaels ran out 6-18 to 0-15 winners.

In the final group game, last season's finalists travelled to Kilmovee as they went up against the Shamrocks. A real competitive battle was played out and after the hour, the two sides could not be separated. That day, the Gaels continued in the manner of scoring goals as they found two against Kilmovee. However, a draw played out as Eastern Gaels kicked 2-9 while Kilmovee registered 0-15.

Eastern Gaels then faced outright favourites Burrishoole in McGovern Park, Newport, in a thrilling knockout clash. Despite two early black cards for the hosts, the Gaels took full advantage, with goals from Michael McGarry and Dara Flanagan helping them build up a 14 point half time lead. Burrishoole fought back brilliantly, with Fintan McManamon impressing before Colin Guilfoyle edged the hosts ahead in injury time. However, Connor Grogan levelled with the Gaels’ only score of the second half to force extra time. Further goals from Tom Hession and Grogan proved decisive as Eastern Gaels secured a remarkable and memorable 5-13 to 1-24 victory.

In the semi final meeting in Swinford, the men in blue and gold went up against a talented Killala side. It was a case of goals win games again as the boys from Brickens raced into an early lead. Michael McGarry and Jack Madden finished to the net while former Mayo minor Dara Flanagan impressed yet again as he showcased his ability to fizz over from long-range. The Gaels led all the way and in the end, ran out 3-14 to 0-13 winners.

Now, history is on the cards as Eastern Gaels are competing in their second ever county final while a first win could potentially be on the cards.

Ardagh’s journey to final

Ardagh, in their first ever county final, will be hoping for a memorable day on Sunday afternoon. Unlike Eastern Gaels, Ardagh have won all their games so far while some of those were real close contests.

The journey started on August 8 when Ardagh went to Ballycroy. A real competitive affair was played out but Sean Carey’s men dug deep to register a hard-fought victory. Carey’s teenage son Tony stole the show as the former Mayo minor excelled in his first adult championship game. He kicked 1-8 as Ardagh prevailed 1-13 to Ballycroy’s 2-9.

Next up, it was another all North Mayo meeting as Ardagh hosted Killala. Young Tony Carey impressed yet again while the Carr brothers James and Brendan also found the net on home soil. As time ticked on, Ardagh were in control and finished strong to seal another satisfactory win, this time running out 3-12 to 1-13 victors.

An away meeting in Davitt Park was next as Achill faced Ardagh. Despite having a man sent off, Carey’s men dug deep to secure another well-earned win. Achill scored 1-10 while Ardagh had two to spare as they sealed the win on a scoreline of 0-15 to 1-10.

In the final group game, Ardagh hosted the challenge of Northern Gaels and this was the result that saw the men in black secure top spot in the group. Tony Carey and Lee Traynor both kicked 0-9 each while All Ireland winner James Carr struck for 1-2 in what was a convincing victory. Northern Gaels disappointed on that evening and only kicked 1-7 as Ardagh were far superior kicking 1-23.

Into the knockout stages, it was Kilmovee that went up against James Carr and co. The Shamrocks in their green and gold strip pushed the North Mayo men all the way but in the end, Ardagh had enough, albeit by the narrowest of margins. First half goals from the excellent Tony Carey and James Carr had Ardagh in a clear lead at the break, 2-7 to 0-4 but the visitors came roaring back. Attacker Peter Horan led the way kicking 0-12 but it wasn't enough as Carey and Carr had enough to weather the storm to deny Kilmovee a famous comeback. Ardagh prevailed 2-12 to 1-14.

The last four, it was Ardagh against Shrule Glencorrib in the neutral setting of Breaffy. It turned out to be a famous day for those involved in the rural North Mayo club. Tony Carey was to the fore yet again as he kicked 0-7 while James Carr chipped in with some crucial points. At the break, Ardagh trailed by four at the break but things took a turn in the second half. Early in the half, substitute Gerard Haran found the net which kickstarted Ardagh’s revival. All Ireland winner Carr delivered in style late on as he kicked an important free over. As full time arrived, Ardagh marched on 1-13 to the South Mayo men’s 1-11.

Into their first ever county final, Ardagh will be hoping James Carr and teenage talent Tony Carey can fire the North Mayo men to a famous day. Sunday will tell the tale.