PREVIEW: Mayo star Carr can drive Ardagh to victory

On Saturday afternoon, the small rural area of Ardagh will be making their way to Castlebar as the newly crowned county junior champions are to face Roscommon’s kingpins St Aidan’s.

Back in 1929, Jeremiah O’Meara from Cappoquin in County Waterford founded the Ardagh club and in 2026, his grandson James Carr captained the North Mayo men to a famous victory marking the first ever county final appearance for the men managed by Kiltane native Sean Carey. Carr, an All-Ireland winner with Mayo has had a superb year and this recent achievement in leading his local club to victory alongside his brothers, Brendan, Joe and Martin has been truly special.

The past few years have seen Ardagh fall to the eventual champions but this year, Sean Carey’s men navigated through the junior jungle as the men in black, green and gold climbed the MacHale Park steps while becoming kings of Mayo. Going into the decider, Ardagh were seen as underdogs by many while their opponents Eastern Gaels were aiming to go one step further than they went in 2025 when the Gaels fell to Kiltimagh in the final.

Second half goals from Dylan Murphy, Tom Varkonda and James Carr powered the North Mayo over the line while Brendan Carr and Adam Foody were also exceptional all over the pitch. No doubt about it, there were guaranteed epic celebrations in the rural pocket of North Mayo while The Halfway House, the only public house in the area, was bound to be buzzing with excitement, pride and relief. Now, the celebrations have been parked as the Connacht series looms.

Over the years, many Mayo sides have performed well in the provincial series as Ardnaree, Louisburgh, Lahardane (twice), Kilmaine, Kilmeena and Kiltimagh have all went on to become Connacht champions in the past 11 years. Ardnaree, champions in 2014 went all the way to the All-Ireland final while Kilmeena became champions of Ireland in February of 2022. It’s clear that Mayo teams have a positive record in the provincial campaign and with a senior All-Ireland county winner in their ranks, why can’t Ardagh go on even further.

On Saturday, Carey’s men will welcome Roscommon’s St Aidan’s to Castlebar. Hailing from the parishes of Ballyforan, Dysart, Four Roads and Mount Talbot, the men in blue will be hoping to overturn the Mayo side. At the back, Aidan’s have experienced defender Keith Waldron in their ranks. An All-Ireland Minor winner with Roscommon back in 2006, Waldron still remains an important player for the men in blue. Around the middle, Gavin Searses is a fine player who is athletic while he also has the capability of booting over from range. Attacker Rory Coyle was part of this year’s Roscommon U-20 side while he’s been impressive for the side managed by Cian Mulry.

The Roscommon champions definitely bring potential to Saturday’s game but with the Carr brothers to the fore, they can lead Ardagh to another win and advance to the Connacht last four. Stephen Rochford and Lee Traynor are lethal in attack when fed ball while young exciting talents Adam Foody and Tony Carey are also two to watch.

VERDICT: Ardagh