VERDICT: Who will make the Mayo Senior Club Championship quarter-finals?

2026 will go down in history for generations to come after July 26 saw Mayo claim the Sam Maguire Cup after an epic performance as Andy Moran’s men toppled the defending champions Kerry.

However, the show must go on and for the next few months, attention turns to the club championship which is often a highlight for so many.

This season, the hunt for the Paddy Moclair Cup brings serious interest as there are numerous challengers who have a real chance of tasting glory. However, the team to beat are Ballina Stephenites who are remarkably going for their fourth county title in a row.

In last season’s decider which was forced to a replay, Niall Heffernan’s side came from ten points down and in dramatic fashion, overcame Westport who themselves had a fine season.

This year, the likes of last year's finalists along with Crossmolina, Breaffy, Castlebar, Garrymore, Knockmore, Claremorris, Ballintubber and Ballaghaderreen are amongst the leading pack while it’d be foolish to rule out the remaining sides (Mayo Gaels, Balla, Kilmeena, Aghamore, Charlestown, Belmullet) who are more than capable of having a huge say on their day.​

GROUP ONE - Westport, Charlestown, Kilmeena, Claremorris

One would have to say that Westport are heavy favourites to come out of this group in first place. Pat Holmes’ side have added some talented youngsters to their squad and with vital experience in their team, the boys in blue could have a big season.

Charlestown, under the fresh management team of Rory Clarke, have had a poor league phase but with county man Paul Towey back involved, they will be no slouches.

Last season's intermediate champions Kilmeena gained promotion in the league and have welcomed All-Ireland-winning captain Sean Ryder and experienced defender Conor Madden back from overseas, who will both boost Damien Egan’s squad.

Claremorris could be the real dark horses of the championship. Full of young, energetic talent, could this be the year they make a name for themselves? With Rio Mortimer, Darragh Beirne and the Hurley brothers, Kevin Beirne’s side could be a team to watch closely.

PREDICTION: 1 Westport, 2 Claremorris,3 Kilmeena, 4 Charlestown.

GROUP TWO - Ballina Stephenites, Garrymore, Balla, Castlebar Mitchels

They have won the championship on the last three occasions, and this time Ballina will still fancy their chances as Evan Regan looks ready to lead the North Mayo men once again.

They won the league in fine style and could create even more history this year, however, they’ll be made to work extremely hard for it.

Kevin Filan’s Castlebar side are stacked with county experience, with Donnacha McHugh, Sean Morahan, John MacMonaghle and Paddy Durcan all ready to operate in the Mitchel's rearguard, while Bob Tuohy could be important at midfield.

Garrymore also have two excellent county men in Enda Hession and Eoin McGreal but also on their squad is a fine bunch of footballers who will be hard to beat. Balla went unbeaten through the league but ultimately flopped in the final as rivals Mayo Gaels trounced them.

Balla’s first game could be important as they host Mitchels in a West Mayo derby.

PREDICTION: 1 Castlebar Mitchels, 2 Ballina Stephenites, 3 Garrymore, 4 Balla.

GROUP THREE - Crossmolina Deel Rovers, Ballintubber, Mayo Gaels, Aghamore

Brian Benson and Crossmolina will be without young Kobe McDonald as he sets off for Australia but the level of talent coming through the North Mayo club is impressive. The likes of Sean Óg McGuinness, Dylan Flynn, Oisin Deane are fine young talents while Conor Loftus and Jordan Flynn bring another edge fresh from Mayo’s All Ireland win.

Ballintubber had a mixed league campaign but for most parts of that, Damien Coleman was without many of his regulars. An experienced side, the West Mayo men often come alive for championship, although, perhaps they aren't the force they once were.

Mayo Gaels rounded off their league with silverware after they made light work of Balla. Johnny Morrin’s side seem to have an excellent spine with the likes of Ethan Henry, Andrew Quinn, and the Gallagher brothers all to the fore. Themselves and Ballintubber could well be a classic in Clogher.

Aghamore led by county man Fergal Boland are often a tough nut to crack and with Brendan Harrison in defence and Tom O’Flaherty around the middle, the East Mayo men will give a game to anyone.

PREDICTION: 1 Crossmolina, 2 Ballintubber,3 Mayo Gaels, 4 Aghamore.

GROUP FOUR - Knockmore, Belmullet, Breaffy, Ballaghaderreen

The group of death! There’s not much between any of these sides and one would have to say, all four clubs will fancy their chances to progress.

Knockmore and Belmullet are always tough sides to beat in Championship and Ballaghaderreen and Breaffy have reached the final stages of the competition on many occasions over the years. Belmullet with the spirit of Ryan O’Donoghue will be a match for anyone on their day while Knockmore are the same, who often bring a real team performance to the pitch.

Breaffy are a slight unknown but the return of Jack Livingstone, Mattie Ruane and Aidan O’Shea will see improvements. Ballaghaderreen have created an excellent spine in recent years with the likes of David Drake, David McBrien, Kuba Callaghan all important players.

The most difficult group to call, it could go any way.

PREDICTION:1 Ballaghaderreen, 2 Breaffy,3 Belmullet, 4 Knockmore.