Mike Finnerty
CASTLEBAR is set to host the biggest club match of the year on Sunday week, October 8, when the reigning Mayo senior football champions, Crossmolina, take on Ballina in the county semi-final. Both North Mayo giants booked their place in the last four last weekend, Crossmolina cruising to a ten point win over Castlebar Mitchels (1-17 to 1-7) while Ballina had three points to spare over a disappointing Shrule/Glencorrib (1-11 to 1-8).
That mouth-watering match will be joined on a double-bill at McHale Park by the meeting of Ballaghaderreen and Knockmore in a novel semi-final pairing.
Ballagh’ produced a barnstorming finish to pip their neighbours Charlestown (0-11 to 0-9) in a rip-roaring quarter-final in Ballyhaunis while Aidan McHale’s Knockmore saw off Kiltane by six points (1-12 to 1-6) in Ballina. The County Senior Final will be played on Sunday, October 22 in McHale Park.
Meanwhile, Belmullet have been installed as favourites to win the Intermediate Championship. PW Racing quotes them at 6/4 to win the Sweeney Cup with Ballintubber – who face a replay with Cill Chomain in the quarter-final next weekend – at 5/2 with Tourmakeady at 3/1, Ballyhaunis at 4/1 and both Parke and Cill Chomain at 6/1.
Mayo SFC odds
Crossmolina 6/4
Ballina both 6/4
Knockmore 5/2
Ballaghaderreen 7/2
