It’s Round 3 in the club Championships this weekend, with places in the knockout stages up for grabs in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior football Championships, while the scramble to avoid getting sucked into the relegation quagmire also reaches a critical point.
Over on the Mayo Football Podcast our club Championship coverage continues apace. Our latest pod is a bumper Round 3 preview show, in which Mike is joined by Colm Boyle to look ahead to and predict the outcome of all the weekend’s game in the SFC, IFC and JFC. It’s a great listen and the show is available to our club members on Patreon – details here.
That’s not the only podcast show we’ve got this week, by the way, as we’ll have another pod out tomorrow. In this one Mike will be chatting with newly appointed Mayo U20 manager Peadar Gardiner and this show will also be available exclusively on Patreon.
Back to the weekend’s club action, if you’re planning on getting to any matches and you haven’t got a season ticket or a club pass then you’ll need to get your match tickets in advance. The link for that is here.
If you plan to take in the action from the comfort of your own home, Mayo GAA TV will be streaming four matches over the weekend. Details on their coverage this weekend is here.
Mayo Senior Football Championship Round 3:
Group 1:
Breaffy V Mayo Gaels (Venue: Ballindine)
Definitely a match I be very interested to see.
Breaffy are not the same team as the 2013-2021 era.
Mayo Gaels may have overly focused on the derby game V Balla and then came flat V Ballina.
Mayo Gaels have to get refocused for this game to have a chance to upset Breaffy and stop them for reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012.
Breaffy by 3.
Ballina Stephenites V Balla (Venue: Foxford)
Ballina have the job done by reaching the quarterfinals so again getting through at ease with a performance and no injuries.
Balla are destined for 3rd year in a row in the relegation play offs but I believe they be playing Senior football again for 2024.
Ballina Stephenites by 6.
Group 2:
Westport V Claremorris (Venue: Breaffy)
The same scenario as above Ballina V Balla with the teams have bigger fish to fry respectively for the upcoming quarter finals and relegation play offs for Claremorris.
Westport by 5.
Ballaghaderren V Charlestown Sarsfields (Venue: Ballyhaunis)
Whether they hate or love against each other it’s winner takes all for the 2 East Mayo neighbours.
Ballaghaderren looks like the best bet beating Claremorris by 3 and running Westport close which was level 7 times.
Charlestown hammered by Westport in round 1 improved for round 2 to beat Claremorris.
Ballaghaderren by 2.
Group 3:
Ballintubber V Garrymore (Venue: Hollymount)
Ballintubber are on 4 points while Garrymore are on 2 points so if Garrymore win and Belmullet beat the Neale it’s all go down to scoring difference.
Garrymore are a well established Senior championship club since 1969 so will be fighting to start well.
With Cillian O’Connor absent V Belmullet they still beat Belmullet without him.
Garrymore by 1.
Belmullet V The Neale (Venue: Castlebar)
Belmullet failed to beat Ballintubber away even without Cillian O’Connor was a set back.
The Neale having a poor year haven’t won league/championship game. Belmullet need to simply win and easy.
Belmullet by 6.
Group 4:
Knockmore V Aghamore (Venue: Charlestown)
Knockmore blitz Ballyhaunis in their own backyard while Aghamore pushed Castlebar all the way and may feel they left it behind to grab a draw or even a win.
Knockmore by 5.
Castlebar Mitchells V Ballyhaunis (Venue: Claremorris)
2021 Intermediate champion Ballyhaunis looks like they are going to be in the relegation play offs unless they can pull off a shock victory. Keith Higgins, Eoghan Collins & Lyons were huge losses for Ballyhaunis in their defeat V Knockmore.
Castlebar got a fright V Aghamore so a good wake up call.
Castlebar Mitchells by 6.
Mayo Intermediate Championship Round 3:
Group 1:
Bonniconlon V Parke/Keelouges/Crimlin (Venue: Bofeenaan)
Both teams in the opposite direction in the table.
Parke/K/C have 1 eye for the quarter final and getting through this game with no injuries. Bonniconlon once again destined for the relegation playoffs and usually come out of it.
Parke/K/C by 5.
Islandeady V Davitts (Venue: Clogher)
Definitely Intermediate game of the weekend to attend to.
Davitts are under pressure in there 1st year back in Intermediate while Islandeady have nothing to lose but all to gain in there 1st year up in Intermediate.
Islandeady by 2.
Group 2:
Kilmeena V Kiltimagh (Venue: Islandeady)
It was reported that Kilmeena defeat V Louisburgh was a shock but it was no shock to me as Louisburgh are very good.
Kilmeena need to win simple as while Kiltimagh as I said before are having a terrible year need to get there act fast.
Kilmeena by 5.
Louisburgh V Ardnaree Sarsfields (Venue: Newport)
Louisburgh have been one of my favourite for the IFC title during 2017-2020 era and taken a slight in recent years but seems to be focusing and improving attitude according to manager John Kelly interview on Mayo news.
Ardnaree simply have to win but it’s a step to far.
Louisburgh by 3.
Group 3:
Burrishoole V Kiltane (Crossmolina)
Both teams had a disappointing first round defeats to Ballinrobe and Hollymount/Carramore respectively but improved in round 2.
Both teams simply need to win to avoid the relegation playoffs.
Kiltane by 3.
Ballinrobe V Hollymount/Carramore (Venue: Garrymore)
Both teams are through the quarterfinals so a case of getting through this game no injuries.
Also both teams could meet again later for a crack at the title.
Hollymount/Carramore by 2.
Group 4:
Castlebar Mitchells B V Crossmolina Deel Rovers (Venue: Knockmore)
Castlebar B put up a big score against out of sorts Kilmaine with former Senior experience campaigner Ray O’Malley.
Castlebar B have still not yet reached the last 8 of the IFC since coming up in 2020 so they could be first B team to reach the quarter final since of course there opponent Crossmolina B back in 2007-2008.
Crossmolina looks the better bet and probably on par with Moy Davitts only for playing away to them.
Crossmolina Deel Rovers by 3.
Kilmaine V Bohola Moy Davitts (Venue: Mayo Abbey)
Oisin Mullen has been given the go ahead to play for Kilmaine by AFL authorities but it’s 4 weeks to late as Kilmaine are already destined for the relegation play offs.
Discipline must be improved as well as they finish the game with 11 players V Castlebar B and need all players in bay not suspended for the upcoming relegation playoffs.
Bohola Moy Davitts big win V Crossmolina in round 2 but conceded 2-11 which would lose you most games.
Bohola Moy Davitts by 4.
Mayo Junior Exclusive Championship Round 3:
Group 1:
Northern Gaels V Tourmakeady (Venue Parke)
A no gainer game for Tourmakeady as they are out of the championship but will be out to win in preparation for the upcoming Exclusive B Junior Championship.
Still all to play for the amalgamation side if they win and Ballycastle lose they will be both on 3 points so scoring difference will come into it.
Northern Gaels will have more to aim for this game.
Northern Gaels by 2.
Ballycastle V Shrule/Glencorrib (Venue Swinford)
I witnessed S/G in their round 2 win and they have a quality team and top forwards in Evan Cawley and Kevin Ryan. They will be in mix for title.
A lot of experts were surprised with Ballycastle victory over Tourmakeady which is no surprise to me.
They are both the same average Junior team but credit to Ballycastle who put up a big score 3-10. Ballycastle need to win or draw to guarantee their quarter final but S/G will be still to good for them.
Shrule/Glencorrib by 6.
Group 2:
Ardagh V Achill (venue: Ardagh)
A do or die for either team as Cill Chomain have defeated both teams in the earlier rounds.
Ardagh looks like the best bet as they have the better forwards in James Carr, Lee Traynor, Kevin Moran and midfielders Stephen Rochford and Brendan Carr.
Achill were to dependable on Brian Lavelle for scores.
Ardagh by 4.
Cill Chomain BYE and into the quarter finals.
Group 3:
Killala V Eastern Gaels (Venue Killala)
Another 3 team group with Killala leading the group with 2 points to Eastern Gaels 1 point.
Killala are many experts favourite for the JFC title.
With Andrew Farrell rekindling his talent again along with Darragh Herbert and Mattie Keane.
Eastern Gaels need to win or draw to guarantee quarter final spot or NOT lose by more than 10 points if I’m right.
Killala by 5.
Kilmovee Shamrocks BYE
Group 4:
Lahardane MacHales V Swinford (Venue: Ballina)
The Junior game of the weekend with both teams already through the quarter finals but who will finish top or 2nd to avoid playing against a top team.
Swinford looks the best bet but Lahardane proves me wrong when Lahardane beat Swinford in the 2021 Intermediate Relegation final 2-12 1-7.
Swinford by 2.
Ballycroy V Moygownagh (Venue: Bangor Erris)
A dead rubber game for both teams but a welcome challenge for the upcoming B Championship.
Ballycroy have ran Swinford and Lahardane close losing 6 and 4 respectively meanwhile Moygownagh receiving trimming Lahardane (14) Swinford (23)
Ballycroy by 5.
Great stuff once again, Micheál!
That new pod I mentioned in the post is now up on Patreon: it’s Mike chatting with the new U20 manager, Peadar Gardiner.
Fair play Micheal, your on the ball. Great analysis.
I never read previews until the games are over.
A great service Michael to those of us outside Mayo, you know the club scene very well.
Thanks
Peadar Gardiner came across really well. His vision for playing football is very exciting and if his teams can perform anywhere near the levels he’s aiming for then we’re in for a great few campaigns ahead.
Best of luck to all the teams today,hopefully no injuries and a few players putting their hands up for the county
Great stuff Michael Moran
Gardiner comes across a clever and astute guy.
Question for ye if anyone can answer it please.
I went as neutral to Hollymount/Carramore v Ballinrobe game this evening.
Good game of football.
Just thinking, When did Ballinrobe last beat Hollymount in championship football ???
Includes before they Amalgamation with Carramore??
Mid west has the davitts v islandeady game today at 3.30 while mayo gaa website has it at 4. 15..
Which is correct?
That garrymore v tubber game was the worst game I’ve watched live all year, the defensive set ups combined with poor attacking play, its a bad sign when there where so many mayo players on show.
Well done Belmullet
Great win today
Common feature of Mayo football again , no scoring forwards , the wide count in some of these games is embarrassing . Crossmolina must have had over a dozen wides .
Amazing to think Crossmolina knocked out in group stages by Castlebar Mitchels B team.
Jordan Flynn excellent for Crossmolina.
Shows the changing demographics of town v rural which will grow further in coming years. No forwards sticking out in the Charlestown v Ballaghaderreen game either.
Sharoze done great job on Towey. Rory Cullen done well. Leneghan in first half was good.
Yesterday Kilkenny was lively in defence for Aghamore.
I watched 4 Mayo games senior:
Today :
Charlestown v Ballaghreen
Charlestown won but very very poor quality match for senior championship!
Earlier I watched
Garrymore v Ballintuber. Omg a terrible match
Ballintububer prevailed!
Even the county players were innocuous!
Yesterday
Breafy won easy v Mayo Gaels.
Breafy way ahead Aidon OShea was excellent.
John Gallagher very good and should be brought in to the Mayo panel!
Breafy will be hard to beat?
Knockmore were superior v Aghmore but it was not a bad match.
Knockmore good team and will progress!
I liked Tom Flaherty (?) , Fergal Boland.
Knockmore have several Mayo panelists and will provide more.
Conclusion:
Let’s hope the championship w will improve at quarter finals level!
Mhuigeo Abú!
Ballintubber and Garrymore would bore you to death. Awful football.
Ballintubber been like that for years
Westport v breaffy
Ballina V Belmullet
Knockmore V Charlestown
Ballintubber V Castlebar
Draw just over
Ballintubber v castlebar is honestly the only draw that looks to be competitive in my opinion but breaffy v westport could be a tight one too.
Looking like Westport,Belmullet,Knockmore,Castlebar
Mayo club football is gone very poor.Is there too much emphasis on S and C bullshit and Blanket defence and sweeping tactics.Some of the passing and basics skills game are of a very low standard.
@corick Bridge I think it will be ballina instead of bellmullet :p though that might be biased opinion haha
I think club football in general has seen a general dip in attacking play. Why? Because there’s far more focus on fitness and possession. Senior club teams are fitter now than they were ten years ago. Players are better conditioned. Teams have stat counts with how many times a player touched the ball, hand passed, kicked, turned over, shot etc. Management go thru these stats. Players are far more conscious now of not giving the ball away. There is far less risk taken. Far less long ball into full forward lines. Far less space for forwards. It’s extremely difficult for forwards to impress and far easier for defenders to impress. Games are less exciting, generally from a purist perspective. Most people knew the Ballintubber v Garrymore game would be defensive, low scoring and a bit of a snore fest for neutrals.
These trends are obvious too at senior county level. I don’t know about ye, but unless Mayo are playing I’d rather watch a re-run of Nationwide than watch two other counties play.
My ball:
It was their first meeting since 1995 and there was small piece on the Western People and I think Hollymount won it.
Hollymount/Carramore amalgamated in 2011.
Mayo JFC Quarter Finals:
Northern Gaels (Kilfian/Lacken) V Cill Chomain
Killala V Lahardane MacHales
Ardagh V Shrule/Glencorrib
Swinford V Eastern Gaels
Mayo IFC Quarter Finals:
Parke/Keelouges/Crimlin V Kilmeena
Louisburgh V Castlebar Mitchells B
Ballinrobe V Islandeady
Bohola Moy Davitts V Hollymount/Carramore
IFC Relegation Semi Finals:
Bonniconlon V Burrishoole
Kiltimagh V Kilmaine
Mayo SFC Quarter Finals:
Knockmore V Charlestown Sarsfields
Ballina Stephenites V Belmullet
Westport V Breaffy
Ballintubber V Castlebar Mitchells
Mayo SFC Relegation Semi Finals:
The Neale V Balla
Ballyhaunis V Claremorris
But in fairness you have to be extra fit now to be involved in gaa especially at inter County no doubt about it so strength and conditioning play a major part in gaa and if teams focus on s & c so be it it playa a part for sure.
Also with the blanket defence issue sadly that’s what’s creeping into the game now and more and more teams will do it.
That’s a solid point in general Mayonaze and rings true to a point but the standard of player and play in other top counties is better . I’ve been reluctant to admit we might be going back the pack and I really hope I’m wrong so wrong but it’s starting to hint of exactly that . Where is our Paul mannion , Shane Walsh , Clifford’s , mcguigan , etc . Evan regan is the best forward in club championship, Tommy conroy in fairness we can’t judge as obviously the Neale are in that shitty place where you’re always going to be pumped at senior level even though you could win the intermediate championship every other year , midfield is another problem area we are not producing in . Anyway I’ll echo it again our club structure is not maximising for county , James Carr for example should have opportunities to play senior club like the Kerry model .
Club game is very overated in Mayo. League is shite as its not taken seriously enough by teams and officials.League form should have a bearing on Championship status like it was in the 90s.Only Division 1 teams can be Senior and no Divison 2 team and there should be no League Semi Finals or Quarter finals absolute farce having them games.There also should be a prize or money for winning the League to make it more competitive.
Senior Championship is very overrated only 8 teams competitive out of all 16Should it be reduced to 12?? The same teams time and time again are keeping Senior status but not competitive enough to push on to win a quarter final e.g Aghamore and Claremorris.Maybe to shake things up 2 teams should gain promotion to the Senior championship the Intermediate champioms and the Division 2 League champions.
Mayo club from what I remember was of a very high standard from 1998 to 2010.Now it has fallen to its lowest standard in years.You have to go back to 2015 for the last time a Mayo team won a Connacht Club Senior Title.
We can’t judge on Tommy conroy yet as he’s still getting back to his full fitness after a horrible injury that left him out for a year…
We have some top class players like Ryan o d Jordan flynn, mcbrien, reape and others coming up to
In fairness not a lot of counties have players who match David Clifford’s skills he’s the best in the game Atm and pulls that kerry team through each time when he’s on form !
Also Shane walsh hardly hit form this year ?..
We will bounce back again and our team is very young think ballina / bellmulet westport usual clubs look very strong not all bad in mayo club scene .
The Coverage club football gets in Mayo versus Galway is incomparable. I enjoy reading the papers and listening to podcasts but I think a lot of these average club players think they’re a lot better than they really are! Some of the language used to describe players is waaay over the top.
Mayo club teams have been way off the pace in recent years. While thats not always reflected at county level, it’s never a great sign.
Agree Seán, James Carr should absolutely be able to challenge himself at the top level. Until Mayo GAA cop on and bring in the divisional teams then we simply aren’t maximising our potential. We are losing players from junior and intermediate clubs who are falling by the wayside because of the poor structure of championships.
Sean Hallinan made some very strong and worthwhile points on here recently.
There is over 30 players in the Mayo senior panel, so the likes of James Carr and Tommy Conroy and others from Junior and Intermediate Clubs are playing against Senior players each evening in A V B games so they are well used of playing against top class players. The problem is Managers wanting to hold on to their jobs and expenses wont let them play football and express themselves. Time to go back to a one man Manager and a selector from each region.
I was thinking the standard might improve when we reach the knockout stages when it’s all on the day. However Garrymore/Ballintubber and Charlestown/Ballaghadereen we’re pretty much knockout games and they were two of the worst games I’ve seen in a long time. I accept a lot of S&C and fitness makes it harder for forwards to find space but some of the shooting yesterday and today under little or no pressure was fairly abysmal……….Surely it can only improve from here on.
See osin mullin back out for his club this week great to see I think we will see him back in the green & red at some stage in the future..
Culmore is right – James Carr should be well challenged inside at Mayo county training as it is.
Sadly the style of football been played by the senior clubs in the county is mirroring what out county team are at. Slow build up play. No quick ball kicked into forwards who are making good runs off the ball.
The efforts at shooting from play and placed balls by forwards is very very poor. If we don’t start speeding up out attacking play and starting put more emphasis on trying to create and take chances – then we will continue to go backwards. Anyone who thinks we are not going backwards at the moment is looking at different football than I am at club and county
– Agree with your first post Mayonaze..
– Weather conditions have been poor for 2 out of 3 of the rounds which may account for some of the poor play.
– Today in Breaffy the pitch was greasy and the ball like the proverbial bar of soap which resulted in a lot of frees. However it was very calm which meant that some of the wides were bad, very bad.
– As for coaching and qualifications needed to coach there are many many.questions to be answered not only at Mayo Club level but also at County level..
It’s hard to know if we are going backwards.
Most the players on any team are there to carry water and get the ball to the hree or four scorers.
It could happen that we end up with a few quality forwards with Ryan O’Donoghue and Tommy Conroy a few years down the track.
Then we’d be on here talking about how it’s so exciting to have a depth of forwards.
Ryan O’Donoghue kicked 1-5 and Aidan O’Shea 2 goals to carry their teams into the quarters. Isn’t that what we would expect from the county team’s full forward line?
The intermediate championship is a lot more competitive and exciting than the senior. Senior teams playing safety first and afraid to take risks. What’s the point?
It is the same in all counties, defensive football.
Here in Meath after 40 minutes Simmons town had only scored 4 points, I texted my pal to tell him I had drank more pints since the game began.
We are ruining our game marks etc