PREDICTIONS: Battle for the Mayo Championship title commences
After the historic Sam Maguire win in recent weeks, attention now turns to the club championship with a busy few weeks ahead for clubs across Mayo.
GROUP ONE
Westport v Charlestown Sarsfields
Saturday, 4.30 pm in Westport
Pat Holmes’ Westport side will be looking to go one step further than last year after their dramatic defeat to Ballina in the final replay. They host Charlestown who are under new management led by former Ardnaree manager Rory Clarke.
The Sarsfields struggled in the league campaign but with county man Paul Towey back in the ranks, it will come as a huge boost. However, one would have to have Westport as big favourites to win this one.
The West Mayo men have added youngsters Ben Holmes and Jack O’Malley to the side this year and with experience all over the pitch, the boys in blue can get off to a positive start.
VERDICT: WESTPORT
Kilmeena v Claremorris
Saturday, 7 pm in Kilmeena
A massive crowd is expected in St Brendan's Park as last season's intermediate champions host a Claremorris side full of talent. Damien Egan’s Kilmeena gained promotion in the league and will be boosted with the return of Sean Ryder and Conor Madden who were both based overseas.
Liam Moore and Jack Mulchrone are crucial while Jack Carney is seen as the main man for the West Mayo men. Claremorris under the guidance of Kevin Beirne have a lot of exciting players across their team. Rio Mortimer at the back, Darragh Joyce at midfield and the Hurley brothers in attack.
And that’s not to mention recent All Ireland winner Darragh Beirne. The South Mayo club have failed to deliver on their promise in recent years but this year could see them have a big campaign.
VERDICT: CLAREMORRIS
GROUP TWO
Balla v Castlebar Mitchels
Friday, 7 pm in Balla
A West Mayo local clash to kick off the championship. Balla went through the league unbeaten which was impressive but then flopped in the decider against Mayo Gaels.
Declan Sweeney and Alan Nolan’s side have added in numerous players from the successful Balla Secondary School team including impressive attacker Liam Glynn.
Castlebar Mitchels on the other hand have Sean Morahan, John MacMonagle, Donnacha McHugh and Paddy Durcan to return to the Mitchels rearguard while Bob Tuohy will boost their midfield.
Expect a fiery contest but one would have to tip the visitors to claim the points.
VERDICT: CASTLEBAR MITCHELS
Ballina Stephenites v Garrymore
Saturday, 4.30 pm in Ballina
They are the reigning champions and are now going in search of four Moclair Cups in a row. Niall Heffernan’s Ballina side are the team to beat, although this group will pose real challenges for them.
Garrymore, with Enda Hession and Eoin McGreal, are a fine side who have talent in abundance all over the pitch. However, the Stephenites led by Evan Regan, should have enough firepower here at home although Garrymore could push them all the way.
VERDICT: BALLINA STEPHENITES
GROUP THREE
Mayo Gaels v Aghamore
Saturday, 4.30 pm in Mayo Abbey
Fresh from their impressive league final victory, Mayo Gaels will be confident about their championship chances.
The Gaels have built an excellent spine consisting of Ruairi Keane, Adam Gallagher, Ethan Henry and John Gallagher, while Andrew Quinn is also a talented player to watch.
Aghamore, led by county man Fergal Boland, are a tough side to beat and with Brendan Harrison at the back and Tom O’Flaherty around the middle, the East Mayo side will be tough to beat.
However, this is a big opportunity for Johnny Morrin’s side and one that they may just take.
VERDICT: MAYO GAELS
Crossmolina Deel Rovers v Ballintubber
Saturday, 7 pm in Crossmolina
This game is almost like the youth of Crossmolina against the experience of Ballintubber. The hosts may be without Kobe McDonald who is Australia bound while the return of Jordan Flynn and Conor Loftus will boost Brian Benson’s side.
Sean Óg McGuinness, Dylan Flynn, Josh Moyles and Oisin Deane who were all part of the Mayo U-20 team highlights the talent in the North Mayo team.
Damien Coleman’s Ballintubber side with the two O’Connors, Michael Plunkett and Jason Gibbons will prove competitive for the West Mayo men. Stephen O’Malley and Ciaran Gavin are fine forwards and could cause problems for the hosts. However, it’s hard to look past Crossmolina who will be looking to kickstart their championship with a home victory.
VERDICT: CROSSMOLINA DEEL ROVERS
GROUP FOUR
Knockmore v Belmullet
Friday, 7 pm in Knockmore
An all North Mayo clash, this one could be fiery in St Joseph’s Park. Knockmore’s key players Connell Dempsey and Aiden Orme will have to bring their ‘A’ game as they go up against Ryan O’Donoghue’s Belmullet side.
Ray Dempsey’s side were somewhat unfortunate throughout the league as the saffron and blue picked up numerous injuries. Mayo vice-captain Darren McHale could still be sidelined through injury while Seamus Howard will boost the Belmullet midfield. A close game between two proud footballing clubs is expected here.
VERDICT: DRAW
Breaffy v Ballaghaderreen
Sunday, 4 pm in Breaffy
This could be a humdinger of a game between two sides who will fancy their chances to progress to the knockout stages. For the hosts, Conor and Aidan O’Shea will be the main threats while Mattie Ruane and Niall Carter will be positioned around the middle.
Ballaghaderreen will have one of the clinical forwards in the county on their side as Kuba Callaghan sets out on championship in which he has been one of the top scorers in the past few seasons.
Add in the likes of Seamus Cunniffe, David Drake and David McBrien, the men from the East are a fine team. However, Sean Deane’s Breaffy will be revved up for this and could just edge it although it should be close.
VERDICT: BREAFFY