More club clashes this weekend

Photo: @MayoGAA

It’s another hectic few days of club championship action within the county this weekend, with knockout action now very much the order of the day. There’s even some silverware up for grabs this weekend and, once again, if you can’t make it to any of the games there’s the chance to catch some of the action on Mayo GAA TV – full details on this weekend’s coverage here.

Here’s a run-down on what’s on.

Senior Football Championship

Quarter-Finals

  • Knockmore v Castlebar Mitchels at Ballina, Saturday 5pm
  • Breaffy v Claremorris at MacHale Park, Saturday 6pm (Mayo GAA TV) 
  • Ballintubber v Hollymount/Carramore at MacHale Park, Saturday 7.30pm (Mayo GAA TV) 
  • Ballina Stephenites v Garrymore at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Sunday 2pm

Relegation Play-offs

  • Ballinrobe v Westport at Claremorris, Saturday 5pm
  • Aghamore v Davitts at Ballyhaunis, Sunday at 1.30pm

Intermediate Football Championship

Quarter-Finals

  • Louisburgh v Mayo Gaels at Islandeady, Sunday 1pm
  • Bohola Moy Davitts v Parke at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Sunday 2pm
  • Ardnaree v Kiltimagh at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Sunday 3.30pm
  • Islandeady v Burrishoole at Westport, Sunday 4pm

Relegation Play-offs

  • Ballyhaunis v Tourmakeady at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Saturday 7pm
  • The Neale v Swinford at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Saturday 7pm

Junior A Football Championship

FINAL: Kilmaine v Lahardane at MacHale Park, Sunday 3pm (Mayo GAA TV) 

Junior B Football Championship

SEMI-FINAL (REPLAY): Eastern Gaels v Bohola Moy Davitts at Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, tonight 8.30pm

Minor A Football Championship

FINAL: Westport v Balla at MacHale Park, Sunday 1pm (Mayo GAA TV) 

54 thoughts on “More club clashes this weekend

  1. Are the intermediate relegation play offs at the same time? I thought the first game was on at 5.00.

  2. Moy Davitts beat Eastern Gaels in the junior B semi.
    The one match I feel could be a shock is Hollymount to beat Ballintubber. Claremorris lost their two best players James Stretton and James Shaughnessy. Ballintubber were more physical and they won’t such advantage against Hollymount. I can see the driving runs of Stephen Coen and Padraig Feerick causing problems. Hollymount are in better scoring form recently.
    I think Mayo Gaels will beat Louisburgh. Without Padraig OMalley midfield is more even. Mayo Gaels have in my view better forwards scoring heavier recently.
    Islandeady will beat Burtishoole I think, better all year.

  3. I don’t think so El Tod. Westport just have too strong a squad. Jack Harte looks a promising player from Balla. Any other players to watch out for? Cillian Golding anyways.

  4. Fear Balla could lose heavily el Tod. 4 top teams at minor were in one group for some reason so lopsided final may be on cards. Hopefully not tho.
    Castlebar 2 up at break. Knockmore missed 2 good goal chances. Durcan best of county players so far. Mcdonagh struggling on Naughton Kirby Moran Mcloughlin and Douglas quiet

  5. Giz If 4 top teams in one group how come final doesn’t have 2 teams from that group? Balla beat Parke in semi. 1989 since Balla won Minor A with Maurice Sheridan.

  6. I see on twitter that Breaffy were beaten by a point..that a shock. Was Seamie O injured. Anyone at game? well done Castlebar. and Westport stay up..did Lee play. Any updates appreciated. Thanks

  7. El Tod I base it on league and summer league this year, under 17 last year under 16 2 years ago and under 14 4 years ago and having seen teams numerous times. I could be proven wrong of course will see tomorrow. Minor club players treated terribly within county. First round league played 2nd March i think with 2nd round 5 weeks later April 2nd, 2 competitive games played in 9 week spell July and august when pitches goodI think And summer league final yet to be scheduled with semis played about 2 or 3 months ago.
    Well done Castlebar, experience of winning and greater size and strength showed, Knockmore will rue 4 excellent goal chances missed. Castlebar taking their one. Both Durcans and Costello possibly best for Mitchell’s, Naughton and Reape for Knockmore and their midfielders, Kevin mc came into it more in second. Casey a current minor also had an impressive 15 minutes as sub for north Mayo men.
    A little bit Disappointed in mcdonagh, and Kirby Moran also but given how long out can be excused.

  8. The county boys look a bit jaded in McHale park. Seamie O’Shea in the programme to start but he didn’t seem to. Claremorris worth their win.
    Holly Carra looking like upsetting B’tubber

  9. Holly Carra B’tubber ended in a draw and could have done without a replay with already tight schedule

  10. Claremorris were impressive. Having said that, breaffy missed three good goal chances including one with the last attack of game when they should have tapped over for the draw. Conor O’Shea was good. Seamus O’Shea and Michael Hall didn’t start for Breaffy. Claremorris are very young and fit – lots of lovely off the shoulder running. Scored the last 5 to win by one. Bit naive in possession at the end when they should have wound down the clock but they’ll learn from that.

    Tubber vs HollyCara was good open game with some great scores. Both coens and conor Keane good for holly. Dillon excellent in first half.

    County players looked a bit tired in both games.

  11. Went to the knockmore v castlebar game this evening. Proper tough championship game that got quite lively towards the end. Knockmore missed 2 or 3 excellent chances for goals and really should have won. Mitchell’s certainly not streets ahead of everyone like other years. I definitely think they are beatable. I guess plenty posters here would have been curious how potential and current Mayo panelists performed.

    Paddy Durcan was the best player on the park, scored a great goal and oozed class throughout. Kevin mcloughlin showed his quality throughout too – really came into it towards the end. I was especially interested in the fringe Mayo players though. Barry Moran was solid but unspectacular, seemed a bit rusty I thought. On tonight’s evidence he’s not at his old level of a few years ago. The best midfielder on view was Shane McHale of knockmore, who’s a big strong lad and a solid worker. Could still be worth a look in the FBD. I’m afraid Danny Kirby had a stinker tonight, kicked one nice point in first half but was otherwise very fumbly in possession. He started off in the inside line with Neil Douglas, but it’s clear he’s not an inside forward anyway, as his movement was poor, unlike Douglas who looked a natural forward. If Kirby has any future with Mayo it has to be as a half forward/advanced midfielder as he can kick a long range score if he gets a chance.
    Donie Newcombe was solid but in truth Johnny Maughan in the other corner was probably just as good.
    I’d heard plenty of talk about Keith Rutledge, he’s a nice skilful wee footballer but I think he’s too light for intercounty level.
    For castlebar, Cian Costello was very similar, had a great game tonight, tigetish hard working and skilful but I fear he’s just too small for the Mayo team.
    I don’t think there was any player on show tonight not currently on the Mayo team that would help tip us over the line towards AI glory however. The only guy who looked a potential was James Durcan, paddys twin brother. He was excellent tonight and to me showed flashes that suggested he could operate at a higher level. Pacy and skilful, kicked a couple of nice scores too. He needs to bulk up significantly though if he wants to play for Mayo.
    For me the power and pace of Paddy Durcan was on a different level to everyone else, and clearly illustrated the difference between a county player and a good club player.

  12. County players must be mentally fatigued.such a long tiring season and the anguish of a one point loss. So many years on the go. Cillian and co now having to face replay on wed night i see. Im worn myself and i was only a fan!

  13. From a Mayo point of view, it’s no harm breaffy were beaten as their county players will have a good long break now to refresh for 2018. I know that’s no consolation to their players though. Furthermore, claremorris are a new team on the block with no mayo players so it’s a great chance for some of their lads to stake a claim for a spot with Mayo in 2018 while trying to win a county title.

  14. Larry, spot on with your analysis of Knockmore v Mitchels. I was watching out for Kirby in particular, but not a good evening for him.
    Knockmore will rue the fact that they gave too much respect to Castlebar. They played Tyrone style football for parts of the game, but when they ran at their opponents it paid dividends.
    Overall a good game of football, and there can be no arguments about the winners. Durcan was pure class.

  15. Went to Castlebar as a neutral this evening and came home very pleased. Two very good games slightly missing red hot championship intensity but produced great entertainment and open football.
    I have to say Breaffy threw away the first game. They seemed in control throughout until they had no response to a late Claremorris rally. They looked a level above Claremorris but when the gun was put to their head they crumbled like last season. Credit to Claremorris for keeping going but they seem a naive side with no protection for their full back line and a lack of scoring forwards. Their slick short passing game and hunger got them through.
    The second game was open scoring and Hollymount deserve huge credit for continuously answering Ballintubber scores. Will be a close one again on Wednesday with both sides tightening up a bit at the back.
    As for potential county players Stephen Brennan and James Mcormack from Claremorris impressed me. Never saw either of them play before but both comfortable on the ball and pacey. Darren Coen kicked some great scores for Hollymount and deserves a look at in the FBD.

  16. Claremorris were strong in minor this year, so I expect them to push on over the next few years to be a strong senior club. They have the underage coming through.
    Wasnt suprised by Hollymount. Think they can win the replay.
    Aghamore – Ballyhaunis won the minor B. That will be a few more footballers for Aghamores senior squad next year. Aghamore could do with being a little bit more adventurous tactically.

  17. I was checking fixtures and seen nothing yet for u21.
    Westport, Claremorris and Knocmore have the squads with senior club experoence that will stand a lot to them.
    Westport will have a bench unlike all other teams.

  18. Fair play Balla, proved me wrong. Need to convert to their juniors now, some excellent teams last few years but not converted to adult football, maybe that will change.
    Ballina point down and man down.

  19. Great win for Balla minors JP. They have been strong a few year now at underage. How are they such underachievers at adult level? I fancy lahardane for an upset today…

  20. It is still 2013 only four years ago since Balla became strong at minor. It takes time to filter through.
    But yes, Balla need to go and win the junior next year.
    Jack Harte ignored for the county minors. I seen some of the lower division games with several county minors not near Hartes standard. Ridiculous to not intensively scout division one.

  21. Poor result for Ballina but fair play to Garrymore. Jesus Ballina blew an 8 point lead. Serious lack of leadership there. If hollymount/carramore can get over ballintubber on Wednesday there’ll be some atmosphere around south Mayo over the next week. I think Mitchell’s are beatable this year but still deserved favourites at this stage.

  22. Great stuff the black and amber.. first year up out Junior and into intermediate semi. Just goes to show how competitive and difficult it is to get out of Junior. Did anyone see the game? I wonder was there any stand out performances?

  23. Was at the Louisburgh Mayo Gaels game. Padraic Prendergast scored a few monster points outside the 45. When this fella is hot he looks very good. Have also seen him look poor in other games. Adam Gallagher was injured came on for the second half and was kept very quiet.
    Louisburgh could be a dark horse for the county title. Very well drilled and the right mix of youth and experience. Joe Dawson the young mayo minor had s powerful game. In Westport now to watch the West Mayo derby between Burrishoole and Islandeady. Anyone impressing from the Junior final?

  24. Either swinford or tourmakeady will be junior next year. It’s a tough championship to win alright, the losers of that match will be joining Balla, Kilmaine, kilmeena, Ballycastle, Cill Chomain, Achill, killala in 2018. Dog eat dog to get out of junior in Mayo!!

  25. Great weekend for south Mayo teams. Hopefully Holly/Carra can join their neighbours in the last 4.

  26. Thanks Clubman51. Adam Gallager seems to be struggling with injuries quite a lot over the past few years, hopefully he will be fit for a run in the league. Padraig Prendergast definately has the ability but I’ve seen him play in games that have passed him by also and it would be unfair to say it’s lack of interest, possibly more a case of just finding form coming back from cruciate but again this is a lad that is not getting the proper exposure to the highest level of football and everything that it brings with it. I wonder are these guys college tied or available for us in the fbd?

  27. So proud of this group of Garrymore players to reach a Senior Semi Final after losing seven players from last years QF team is one hell of an achievement.

    Standout players for Ballina were Sean Regan & Ciaran Tracey. Caolan Crowe, Trevor Nally, Micheal Connolly, Gary Golden, Mark Tierney standout for Garrymore.

    Jamie Oates totally outplayed Evan Regan. Shane Nally while not at his very best gave wondrous 60 yard ball to Mark Tierney for the fourth goal.

    Castlebar will win the semi final but the way these lads have stood up this summer is a credit to them.

  28. Well JP and Giz ye didn’t give Balla minors a prayer record defeats I think ye said. Surprised at ye Balla won B championship and West Mayo at u16 two yeats ago. Lot of lads came close to winning Minor A last year. Podge Mc Loughlin no6 and Balla captain should have captained Mayo this year and Jack Harte should have been there too. Everyone around Balla knows this. Neither made initial 40 man squad. Goal down in first min but didn’t let Westport score again til 22 min. Fully deserved win. Beat Claremorris, Castlebar, Loisburgh, Parke and Westport. Hon Balla.

  29. Tracey v impressive again for Ballina , 100 per cent deserves league action next year

    Caolan Crowe impressed me too

  30. Lahardane 2/11 to 0/15. . Brilliant second half come back after trailing 10 -5 at the break. Great heart and fitness shown , as one would expect from a team trained by John Maughan. Had the luxury of putting a last kick penalty over the bar. So proud of all the lads and especially my nephew who captained the team. Well done all.

  31. Was at minor game today today,have to agree with el tod ,what about tom reyonds balls no 2,definely minor material,podge MC loughlin best sweeper I have seen in minor ,cilloan colding outstanding,and Jack Harte ,brilliant ,took 3 different players to mark him,Emmet Rowley great midfield performance,David groden great left foot for Westport,maybe mayo minor selectors were looking in wrong places or does it go back to who know who to get on minor panel???

  32. Forgot to mention that James Maughan, a nephew of Johns scored a cracking goal for Lahardane.

  33. Not sure if it’s it up the dubs, but something not right underage. No Westport, Bellmullet or Knockmore player made starting 15 either despite been 3 the semifinalist minor division 1 league.
    If it’s just down to the trial system I can see why selection goes pear shaped as have been to some of those and if recall didn’t see any shooting at the posts been involved.
    Only place see lads is in games. Do managers do that? Can they do that? As said yesterday first round league 2nd one month second round 5 weeks later 2nd of next month. Due to county games for about 20 lads all other minors suffer and managers don’t see them. 2 games in 9 weeks over summer then. Wouldn’t encourage you. Given Louisburgh won today summer league final not likely for at least 2 more weeks. But sure weather as good in November as July sure….

  34. From quotes I know they were impressed with the schools performances. Not the place to be looking for minors beyond A grade.
    There were far too few from division one.
    Hats off El Tod I was wrong 🙂 Happy to be so.
    Well signed about Podge McLoughlin several months ago.
    I seen some B grade games this year. Way below A.

  35. In fairness Balla lads shouldn’t be complaining too much about not getting lads selected for Mayo underage teams. I’m sure Ye are correct about Jack Harte and the other lad you mentioned but I’d say you could pick a full 15 from Balla of ex Mayo minors and u21s? I mean, did any Lahardane player ever even make a minor squad, let alone u21?
    Im Not having a go as I think the Balla club is well placed, both geographically and talent wise, to contribute a couple of established Mayo seniors in the next few years. But adult level is where it’s at ultimately, and there’s a worrying trend of sub par performances from the club when the really crunch junior championship games come around. As I said above, no guarantees at all next year either with an extremely competitive junior A 2018 season on the cards.

  36. The minor county is changed next year. It’s this year’s u16s who we should be looking at. Any standouts at that level this year?

  37. Larry Duff
    Yeah Lahardane had Tommy Leonard on the u21 panel in 76 for a while before injury and had 2 players on the minor team beaten by Kerry in the All lreland semi final in 96. Vincent Cawley and Declan Leonard. That’s just off the top of my head, could be others.

  38. Wtf you on about Ken Kennedy the Junior Championship is over Lahardane won it. Balla can get promoted from IC to 1B in the league by beating Lahardane on Sunday

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