93 thoughts on “It’s a knockout weekend on the club front”

1. How much is it to watch the streams.?

2. Excellent stuff again lads. Great to see the club scene getting the coverage it deserves.
   Breaffy and Westport is the blockbuster game of the weekend and having seen Breaffy twice this year I feel they still have the shortcomings of previous years. Not playing as a team and no definite game plan. If Westport can let the shanckes off and create enough turnovers then they can win that game.
   Ballintubber will have trouble with Moy Davitts but should have enough experience to see them through. Mitchells and Garrymore should do the business in the other two games although Ballaghaderreen have the firepower to create an upset.
   In the senior I’m going for
   Westport
   Tubber (just)
   Mitchells
   Garrymore
   In the intermediate
   Kiltmagh
   Burrish
   Belmullet
   Parke (to cause an upset)

3. Really looking forward to this weekend in Elverys McHale Park. This is the best weekend of the year and there will be some titanic tussles.

   Breaffy v Ballintubber.

   This is fascinating the youth, speed and exuberance of Westport against the experience, power and star players of Breaffy. Add in James Horan opposite Peter Forde and Shane Conway. Expect Kevin Keane to pick up Aidan O Shea. Breaffy have huge men in Minogue, Fadden, Walsh, Ruane and the three O Sheas. Westport really need to have Shane Scott back to give them some physical presence with Fionn McDonagh. The question mark on Breaffy is their scoring power, Gareth Dunne, Tommy O Reilly and Conor O Shea can score but not prolific. Wesport probably have an edge inside with Colm Moran and Killian Kilkelly. I think the weather conditions will have a huge bearing on this game and the physicality of Breaffy will see them through. Breaffy by 2

   Ballintubber v Moy Davitts

   These two teams were possibly the best performers in round 3. Ballintubber were fantastic against Kiltane. The relocation of Diarmuid O Connor has given them a real running option at midfield along with the best club midfielfder in the county Jason Gibbons. Ballintubber have also gone for pace this year and a couple of their great warriors in Myles Kelly & Pauric O Connor are now impact subs. Stephen O Malley and Alan Plunkett played puck against Kiltane while Brian Murphy and Ciaran Gavin were excellent. Moy Davitts have kicked on since winning Intermediate, James Mulderrig and Padraig Ruane are formidable as a Midfield Partnership. While most talk revolves around Brian Reape they have other very good forwards in Anthony Jordan, Alan Bourke the two Byrnes and Brian Heneghan if fit. Chris McGlynn is a good keeper and Cormac Healy will put it up to Cillian. Think Moy Davitts will perform but I think Tubber could be back with a serious tilt at the Moclair. Ballintubber by 4

   Castlebar v Claremorris

   This looks the most straightforward game of the weekend. Castlebar are an exceptional club side with very few weaknesses. Claremorris seem to have slipped a notch or two from last year. Donie Vaughan has really made a huge impact at Midfield for the Mitchels. Neil Douglas still best club forward around. Ger McDonagh is the real driving force now for Castlebar. Still havent played Cian Costello. Patrick Durcan and Donie Newcombe are bombing forward at will. Only slight worry is their full back line. Claremorris have really struggled for the last six weeks, only win against Crossmolina at home and they have taken some tankings. Aidan Butler missing and James McCormack struggling with injury. Conor Diskin & James Shaughnessy may do some damage but looks a bridge too far. Castlebar by 7

   Ballaghadereen v Garrymore

   Ballaghadereen have had a great year putting up huge scores and they have five lads involved with county between Senior & Development squads. Lost Gavin Conway six weeks ago to cruciate and he is a significant loss. Normally play a double sweeper with Sharoize & David Drake & Owen Jordan breaking with speed. Andy has been dropping deep and taking up a playmaker role. I think they will change their style and play long ball into Barry Regan & Andy on Sunday. Garrymore also having a very good year. Strong in Midfield with Shane Nally & Gary Golden, and will be looking to get an edge here. Paul Deeley & Mark Tierney can take scores inside. Caolan Crowe will probably pick up Andy, Jamie Oates and Trevor Nally big players for Garrymore. Toughest game to call. Draw

4. It’s a fiver per day, Joe.

5. Great analysis Redcol. Hard to argue with your calls and you have identified all players of note for neutrals.
   Westport may have to wait another year but they will battle. If they can get enough ball to forwards they could cause upset. Ballagh v Garrymore fascinating, it’s on the day, looking forward to great weekend

6. PP have Ballagh and Garrymore at evens 7/1 the draw
   Westport at 9/4

7. I am going for;
   Senior quarter finals , wins for Breaffy, Tubber, Mitchels and Garrymore(just about).
   Senior relegation , wins for Agahamore and Knockmore.

   Intermediate quarter finals, wins for The Neale, Burrishoole, Belmullet and Kiltimagh.
   Intermediate relegation, wins for Shrule and Bonniconlon.

8. if i was a betting man i would back every game to be a draw the weekend.
   Scores will be hard come by in storm like conditions
   Plunge

9. I’ve been really impressed with Garrymore, especially their marked ability to create numerous goal chances and from their most recent showing against Knockmore they’ve improving on converting these and being smarter in front of goal. There’s more to come in this respect.
   And overall they have good balance to their team.
   I’m tipping them to win the county title.

10. Brilliant stuff there WJ to have all the teams and schedules for the weekend matches. Great stuff. Unfortunately have a particular interest in the relegation battles

11. @The new departure. Super heinz is yer bet to cover the draws. You can make 7 selections and it covers doubles trebles four folds 5 folds 6 folds and a 7 fold.
    It’s 120 bets so a 1 euro super heinz will set you back 120 euro.
    Get 3 draws and your in profit. Any more.than 3 and you’ll be laughing your way to the bank.

12. According to RTE Aertel Page 206, Carnacon’ are set to formally appeal the Connacht Council LGFA santions against the Club, today! When will this saga ever end?

13. A huge weekend for all club footballers between Senior and Intermediate in Mayo to put there hand up for a potential call up to the County panel by either James Horan or Michael Solan.
    This is the time to be standing out for your club in some mouth watering quarter finals in McHale Park this weekend and if they can’t do it here they certainly won’t do it for Mayo.
    Some Current Senior and reserve players will be playing for the futures in the Green and Red over the coming months as well.

14. Just trying to get a debate going about what would be people’s squad of 26 be if the mayo team had to be picked out of the remaining quarter finalists in the senior championship.My own would be as follows.
    Team. Sub’s
    Paddy o Malley Rob Hennelly
    Michael Hall
    Caolan Crowe Seamus Cunniffe
    James Stretton Michael Plunkett
    Lee Keegan James McCormack
    Paddy Durcan
    Sharoize Akram. Paul Lambert
    Donal Vaughan. Seamus o Shea
    Matthew Ruane. Shane Nally
    D o Connor
    Aidan o Shea. Andy Moran
    Cian Hanley. James Durcan
    Colm Moran.
    C o Connor. Conor Diskin
    Brian Reape. Conor o Shea
    Unlucky to lose out & worth considering.
    Stephen Brennan
    Brian Murphy
    Brian o Malley
    David Drake
    Kevin Keane
    James Minogue
    Brian McDermott
    Barry Moran
    Gary Golden
    Shane Scott
    Jason Gibbons
    Danny Kirby
    Fionn McDonagh
    Neil Douglas
    Anthony Jordan
    Oisin McLaughlin
    Cathal Slattery
    Alan Plunkett
    Stephen McGreal
    Stephen o Malley
    Killian Kilkelly
    Mark Tierney
    Add in players from intermediate quarter finals such as:
    Eoin o Donoghue,Chris Barrett,James Kelly,Ryan O’Donoghue,Padraig o Malley,Sean Walsh,Jason Doherty,Ronan Carolan,Liam Moran&Tommy Conroy.
    As can be seen from above there is currently alot of talent in the county.I have no doubt that peter canavan will be tuned into mayo gaa TV over the weekend to see the talent on view.

15. Mayo Gooch would you not bother with the lads in the relegation playoffs from Aghamore, Knockmore, Davitts and Crossmolina. There’s a few tasty players there might be worth having a look at

16. Bohola plenty of talent in the relegation playoffs also.Aghamore(Brendan Harrison,Ciaran Harrison,Fergal Boland&Alan Freeman).Knockmore(Justin Rice,Kevin McLoughlin,Darren McHale& Peter Naughton)Davitts(Colm Boyle,Dimitri Trench,Josh Ronayne& Evan Ronayne).Crossmolina(Conor Loftus&Fionan Duffy).

17. ‘Tubber and Moy Davitt’s is the game I would love to see, particularly to get aanother look at Brian Reape but as it’s on Saturday it is not possible. Will hopefully be in MacHale Pk on Sunday though.

18. Tubber to blow moy davitts away
    Castlebar to blow claremorris away
    Breaffy to win in tight game
    Garrymore and Ballagh too tight to call
    Knockmore to blow cross away
    Aughamore to edge davitts
    The neale, ballinrobe, belmullet and kiltmagh all to win. Also shrule and bonniconlon.
    Hope to get to 3 games today, the McHale Park double header and the aughamore davitts game.
    Most looking forward to breaffy westport today and garrymore Ballagh tomorrow. Think they will be the crackers of the weekend.
    Hope prospective managers have scouts at all these games, much more useful barometer than FBD muck in the depths of winter.

19. Big trouble brewing in Galway…county board chairman had resigned and a damming internal audit on their finances due to be released.

20. Willie Joe, would that previous comment by Yew_tree be considered as a rumour ?, the stringent house rules appear to apply to some including me.

21. I don’t think it would, Mayo88 – trouble in Galway is common knowledge. And spare me the victim complex shiteology.

22. Mayo88 – what I stated is in the news.

23. Commiserations to Westport after a very spirited performance this evening. Inexperience probably a factor with a number of missed chances in the closing 10 minutes that could have seen them come away with the spoils. Some impressive young footballers on that team with a never-say-die attitude that will bring them plenty of success in the years to come.

24. The RTE website yesterday had the news that the full time Secretary of Galway GAA had stepped down “for personal reasons” and that an audit report into Galway GAA is to be presented to the Co Board shortly. There is no mention anywhere that I can see of the Chairman. At any rate this will surely give Martin Brehony something to get his teeth into.
    Anybody have the resullt of Ballintubber v Moy Davitts?

25. Tubber won well. 2-16 to 0-11 I think

26. Ballintubber 2-16
    Moy Davitts 0-11

27. AndyD easy win for Tubber. 2.16 to 0.11 I think finished. Not started well enough but faded after 15 losing midfield and defensive battles

28. Ah now, hope you went to the bookie with them predictions, cos you got them spot on. Hope the rest of them come up tomorrow. Westport put in some second half performance.

29. Brian Reape is the now the best and most exciting inside forward from general play in the County in my opinion!! Double marked by Tubber tonight and won nearly every ball that went into him and kicked a number of points from play and laid of ball for other scores!!

30. Thought Westport were unlucky, inexperience cost them in the end. I was disappointed in breaffy to be honest. I was hoping to see more from the likes of Matthew ruane and michael hall but they showed very little. Aido really dragged them through with hennelly doing well in the frees and his kickouts. Westport on the other hand have a lot of very good young players and I think Fionn mcdonagh was the best midfielder on show. Tubber showed their class but really liked Brian reape in the first half. Out of all the players I’ve seen in club championship he’s the most promising I’ve seen. Also good performance by DIARMUID in midfield and dillo still doing the business at 11.

31. How did Brian Reape look.I guess it’s hard to tell with that score

32. Agree TH – thought Reape played very well. Power, pace, height coupled with an ability to get shot off under intense pressure and score. Got a few fine points especially in the first half. I hope our new manager was watching…

33. Reape was probably the best forward tonight and looks fitter.I thought Ruane had a very good game until his red card.Westport lacked the experience to win when it was there for them.Moran at corner forward looked good at times.Conor Oshea did a power of work but close control still not the best.Completley different intensity in the first game.

34. Reape needs a run on the mayo team. Exciting forward.

35. Westport had a very slow start which probably cost them ultimately. I thought Fionn McDonagh, Colm Moran and Niall McManamon had very good games. Conor and Aidan O’Shea were Breaffy’s best. Referee was very lenient on Westport’s cynicism but Breaffy got their own back towards the end. Overall it was a low quality game.

36. I feel bad for Rochford at the moment losing the top job, but how the hell he dropped Brian Reape and Michael Plunkett last Febuary was a backwards step in my opinion.If we are to compare forwards Brian Reape is the David Clifford of Mayo football, he was top scorer in the Intermediate championship last year and was Mayos best Under 21 player in 2017 against Galway.I would agree he does look alot fitter and well conditioned than this last time last year, and looks really hungry to get on the ball.No doubt in my mind he’s the best one on one from direct play ahead of Andy and Cillian from what I seen this evening.Has to get 7 full games at 14 in the National League.

37. The 2nd game was much more open and attacking. Moy Davitts shot out of the blocks and looked really confident taking their scorers. Reape did well from play but I thought he was lacking fitness to be honest. That can be fixed easily of course and I would like to see him get a chance.

    Ballintubber look really strong this year from 1-15. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pip Castlebar in the semi-final. Jason Gibbons was motm in midfield. Alan Plunkett had another good game. He is so composed in front of goal.

38. @wideball
    I would have to disagree how they hell did he look unfit, he bet his man to every 50/50 ball that went into him and went deep defending a few times.

39. Maybe Stephen dropped Reape because he couldn’t commit or didn’t want to last year.
    I am not sure fitness can be fixed quickly though. It could take 18 months the way its gone now

40. @wideball Im inclined to agree that Brian Reape didn’t look fully fit to me either! He was excellent but seemed to run out of gas a few times even in the first half. But that will come right. He spent a few months in the states during the summer and that doesn’t help with fitness. He definitely has to get a decent run in the league. I feel that with top class players around him he could be a real threat.

41. Well Pat he made himself available in the Fbd League where he was only given 1 game before he dropped him in the National League.
    Mayo need a ball winning inside forward with pace that can put the ball over the bar not another well conditioned working Half forward god knows we have plenty of them.

    Conor Diskin, Ryan O’Donoghue , Jack Reilly and Ciaran Treacy are all other direct pacy forwards who need game time from the New manager.
    I thought Fionn McDonagh was impressive tonite for Westport probably the best player on the field along with Colm Moran.
    Matty Ruane and Conor O’Shea impressed for Breaffy.Lee Keegans discipline was poor and silly tonight he made that free for Hennellys winning point alot more kickable than it was before he stood in front him of him and was brought up. Bit dissapointed with young Oisin McLoughlin tonite didnt get on the ball much and kicked a few bad wides.

42. I have to agree re brian reapes fitness he was very good for the first 20 mins as a inside forward but once he came out the pitch he struggled. He has plenty of time to work on his fitness between now and Jan. However I would worry if he had Eoghan ban Gallagher type player marking him who would bring him all around the pitch.

43. Pat, I know everyone is entitled to an opinion but Im not sure what you were looking at, Reape was taking on 2 defenders most of the night and still getting scores. Nothing wrong with his fitness, totally agree with Chris Kelly. Moy Davits totally lost the middle sector and the supply line stop for him but he stilled battled on even when hurt late on. Have to say Jason Gibbons had a great game, 3 great scores in the first half outshone Diarmuid to be fair. Reape was dropped before the league started and the reason was laughable, same happened with Plunkett. He is a proper inside forward, a scoring forward yet. Plenty of young talent emerging need someone to bring them through, have to kept Andy involved to shown these young guns the ropes. Evan Regan, Conor loftus for me can’t do what Reape can do as an inside forward. Would also like to see more of James Carr from what a seen of him at U21 he looked like a star on the rise.

44. Don’t mean to be too hard on Reape, just thought he looked gassed after 20 minutes. He did recover to an extent in the 2nd half. I agree he has something that the county panel is missing. He’s a great ball winner, can take on his man and can score.

    It’s important he doesn’t lose any of those traits once he gets into the county panel.

45. Impressed with Brian Reape tonight although he needs more movement before ball is played to give outfield players a chance to reach him – – he should study Andy Morans style which I think would suit him.
    He has speed,skill,power & accuracy & looks every inch a County player & could be just what Mayo needs in the forward line. He has improved enormously since last year & looks in much better shape.
    Jason Gibbons was by far the best midfielder on view & I was also impressed with Kevin Keane in the centreback role tonight

46. Players who impressed this evening.
    Matthew Ruane had a good first half.
    Conor o Shea worked hard.
    Fionn McDonagh can score,works hard,good engine and has bulked up a lot since joining development panel.
    Colm Moran the best player on pitch.Brilliant movement off the ball.Good ball winner.Two footed & has pace.Needs to be looked at by new manager.
    Jason Gibbons MOTM
    Alan Plunkett 1-3
    Padraig Ruane
    Brian Reape very good ball winner,has pace,two footed & strong.
    Moran & Reape have to be given a run by new manager as they are two very good ball inside forwards who know how to play with their backs to goal.

47. Chris, I beg to differ with you that Lee intentionally stood in the way of the ball holder (Aos) if I remember. I genuinely believe the ref had a rush of blood on that one. Lee wasn’t facing the ball, where Aos then went as quick as possible towards Lee’s back. Waved his hand and the whistle quickly followed. Please await further discussion,until I watch the incident back. That aside, it was glorious to watch Lee in full flow tonight, covered every blade.

48. Mayo Gooch, Padraig Ruane ? totally outshone tonight by a player discarded more than once, for midfield prospects this is a big year for Matthew Ruane, should have been involved more already, I would also look at Gareth o Donnell, powerful and mobile was unlucky the year he was brought in before when he got injured. Sean Walsh kiltimagh maybe worth a look as a future prospect has tools but needs sharpening big reason why Kiltimagh are doing well in Division one. Pointing out players who played well one player who surprised me tonight was Brain Murphy Ballintubbers cornerback, Surged forward at every opportunity but but I have to say Moy Davitts should have don’t better tracking back. Another unheralded player is Niall McManamon Westport, James Horan seems to see more to him than a cornerback and he may be right still only 22.

49. Mayomessi – Mikey Murray is a midfielder that’s worth looking at. Jason Gibbons was excellent but his chance has probably passed at this stage.

50. I just hope Brian Reape isn’t wasted in Mayo like Padraig Brogan, Ronan Golding and Kevin O’Neill was in the John Maughan era!!

51. Mayo messi,Jason Gibbons in my view should have been on panel this year.His dropping cost us when Parsons and O’Shea got injured.I agree with you about Sean Walsh.I agree with you about Brian Murphy and is rated very highly in Ballintubber.I also thought Rob Hennelly’s range of kickouts were very good.
    Wide Ball,Mikey Murray has been Ballina’s standout player this season and is well worth a look.

52. Brian Reape played well kicked some lovely points missed two frees and was out of gas in the first half after a run back to help out the defence.The summer in Chicago might have a bit to do with that. Breaffy were a huge disappointment they got beaten at this stage last year and could have been beaten only for Hennelly with the frees they could do with Liam Irwin. Both games were disappointing the older players for me stood out Dillon Gibbons Plunkett Kevin Keane and Seamus O Shea held on to posession at the end and broke Westport’s heart.

53. Westport threw the game away. Overrun in middle of field in 1st 20mts & yet closed the score gap to 2 at half-time. Better team for early part of 2nd half & eventually drew level. Inexplicably however they failed to exploit their greatest asset, namely pace & movement, by kicking 50/50 balls into street-wise Breaffy backs. Why they failed to hold on to the ball & spreadeagle the Beaffy defence with crisp interpassing is peculiar. Appeared to have far greater potential than Breaffy & yet compounded their innocence by failing to exploit their extra man. Breaffy on the other hand did what was required but bit one-dimensial & pedestrian.

54. @Mayo exile .. Westport manager has to go !!

55. Both senior quarter finals yesterday evening were very poor
    Massive crowd in for Breaffy v Westport especially from Westport
    Game never lived up to its billing. As usual game passed Aidan o Shea by far too easily. Breaffy had a big lead at half time and should have pushed on in the 2nd but instead sat back and let Westport back into the match
    Westport will let ok back at this match as one they left behind. Too many of their younger players were trying to get physical with the o Shea’s etc instead of concentrating on their own match. Same goes with keegan who seemed intent on starting a row all the match. Hard to analyse what Breaffy are like
    Westport will get better but their forward need to have more composure
    Tubber v Moy Davitts was a complete mismatch.
    I knew moy davitts would start fast with early ball into Reape who “did” win the first few balls but faded terribly after. If he was s to be a potential county senior he will need some serious conditioning fitness wise. He is strong though and can score on the turn. Mulderrig showed well in patches but overall This was a big step up for Moy Davitts who were in bonus territory getting to the quarters.
    Tubber defence not what it once was but good performances from BRendan Walsh in goal Brian Murphy, Michael Plunkett and Rory o Connor
    Jason gibbons and Doc won the midfield and gibbons pitched in with 3 good points
    Dillon., Alan Plunkett, Cillian and Padraig O Connor best up front
    Note this is the 2nd tubber match in Mchale park where they’ve Basicallly had a walk over
    There next opponent won’t be ( Mitchell’s)

56. The Independent is reporting that Solan has included Enda McGinley on his management ticket, that’s a decent addition to his team. I wonder will we see a Tyrone man on Horans team?

57. One question to anybody that was at the Breaffy v Westport game, was it very defensive?, the low scorelines would suggest this. If Westport were very defensive, what does this tell us about James Horan ?, usually the logic in football is that you play a fast attacking sytle, keeping the ball on the ground, when you have smaller fast players at your disposal.

58. And Solan’s team will also include a former high profile Mayo footballer

59. Mayo 88 Westport wasted some great chances in the first 15 mins and again at the end..Thought they played some lovely football but couldnt convert their chances..

60. Word on the street is Liam that there will be a high profile former all ireland winning footballer from Tyrone in James Horan’s backroom selection. But my money is on Solan for the job

61. Thanks for all updates. Not a mention of the infamous 31st Aug deadline at all now. And whispers re backroom teams dosent suggest any “cutbacks” that S. Rochford was hearing. Saw a great picture of J Horan and Aiden at end of match…i want to see them reunited on the field/sideline in 2019. Please County Board do the right thing and appoint James ( any other county would be over the moon to have him as their manager). Players, fans, all will be energised.

62. The poll here has a landslide result for Horan but looking more and more like Solan will be pushed through.

    The chairman wants rid of the older players that pushed his brother. That is on the record. He knows Horan may not comply.

    The nomination process was set up to exclude Horan on the assumption that he would have to be asked.

    Enda McGinley is a strange addition. What has he done since retiring as a player? Not exactly star struck by that addition.

    All in all it will be a shock if it is not Solan. And that is a real real pity and worry

63. Sadly I agree with everything you’ve written Ger. Personal agendas will once again come before the betterment of football in the county.

64. Ger – I’ve deleted that “apparently” sentence from the comment you’ve just posted because, as you should well know, this site isn’t the place for posting stories that haven’t been or cannot be confirmed. I really wish you and others who continually abuse the comments facility here in this way would cop on in this regard.

65. Willie Joe I know it may touch on rules but it was mentioned in the Mayo News podcast on the managerial situation

66. I’m willing to be corrected on that point, Ger, but I don’t recall any mention of that particular story on the podcast. If it was, then fair enough.

67. Ger Bohan, you say that it’s ” looking more and more like Solan will be pushed through ”..

    Apart from the fact that he has been nominated by his own club, where are you getting evidence to back up what you are saying ?

    Many people here are hanging their hat on the James Horan of the past, as if he only has to turn up, put on his cap, and Sam will follow.
    Whoever gets the job is going to inherit a panel, where many of the key players are closing in on retirement. Let’s not lose sight of that.
    I could name at least two Senior players whose performance level dropped in 2017 and then dropped further in 2018.
    What magic wand do people believe that James Horan has to miraculously halt that in more players over the next 12 months?
    As they say in financial jargon, ”Past performance is no guarantee of future gains ”’.

    Have people stopped to consider, that Michael Solan could be exactly what the future rebuilding of the Mayo team needs, because rebuilding on a significant scale is what is ahead of us in the near future.

    Wait until Messrs Clarke, Cafferky, Higgins, Barrett, Boyle, S oShea, Parson’s,and Moran have moved on..

    This appointment for Mayo is crucial for the future, and for all of James Horan’s fine achievements and attributes, let’s not forget that he was as unproven at inter county level in 2011, as Michael Solan is now.. Didn’t stop Horan from doing as well as he did.

    Horan may well be the most suitable candidate for this job now, only time will tell.
    But it seems to me that too many people are dismissing Michael Solan, because it’s Horan he’s up against……just my views.

68. Totally agree, Ger. It’s no secret at this point that the county board want rid of some players and there are a couple there who definitely won’t be happy to see Horan back. It should be Horan’s job, but I have absolutely no doubt he’ll be shafted for Solan.

69. Westport’s inexperience showed. Didn’t need to mix it with much more physical breaffy side. Took wrong shooting options when fat was in the fire in second half. Nonetheless they left nothing behind and will be all the better next year. No Brian McDermott or Shane Scott. Good to see Keegan back to physical best though indiscipline proved costly. Brian O Malley had a nice confidence boosting performance after a tough season. Ruane and Conor O Shea definitely senior county material.

    Moy Davitts started well, Reape looked classy and athletic early, but boy, did he disappear. Very difficult to know how he will combine with a slick forward unit. Anthony Jordan was strong on ball and I really liked second half sub Conor Byrne (18), red haired. He never stopped trying and was the bright Spark of second half. Way too easy for classy Ballintubber.

70. Any idea when the managerial appointment is due to be made??

71. Mayonaze, the Sunday Independent article stated that the interviews will take place, early in the week after next.

72. Two ex Tyrone players being mentioned as possible backroom staff, I know we got lucky to have Buckley for as long as we did but the two mentioned have little or no record of coaching, neither is qualified to hold Donor Buckleys whistle. Why are we obsessed with bringing in outside selectors? In a football obsessed county, one that proudly calls itself a top footballing county, why can’t we come up with coaches from within the county. For example Mitchels have dominated the club scene and are playing some of the best football any club team had played in years, all without a slew of high profile county players other teams have. But their coaches names are never mentioned in county terms, same can be said of the rubber management. We shouldn’t have to look outside, plenty home grown coaches to assist Moran or Solan.

73. I agree Mayomad. There is an obsession with getting a big name on to the management. I’ve no problem with an outside coach or selector if they have a history of coaching at the highest level, e.g. Buckley. The names I’m hearing don’t fall into that bracket.

74. Mitchell’s far superior than Claremorris today but have to say Conor Diskin was brilliant for Claremorris today 1-3 from play I think and pulled a super ball out of the sky to win his team a penalty , James And paddy Durcan class acts for cbar

75. Having watched today’s Mayo Senior Quarter finals, the following must be noted.
    1, Claremorris are very poor, even worse than last year, only one County player for the future, that is Diskin.
    2, I see now why Shane Nally never nailed down a starting place or was’nt used more as a substitute on the Mayo team, didnt feature in todays game, his brother had a greater influence for Garrymore, Drake not great either, Andy Moran a class apart, one of the best men to spot runs and deliver a sublime pass.
    3, Castlebar seem to hold all the aces, Paddy Durcan way ahead of everybody else, great pace and power in the running game, they will win the final fairly handily also.

76. Conor Diskin for Claremorris really impressed today, scored a goal and won a penalty and kicked 3 points against the best team in the County, really looks like a Top footballer and can see him breaking into the Mayo panel next season.

77. Thanks Observer 2.

78. Mayo Senior Football Championship

    Quarter Finals

    Castlebar Mitchels 1-20 Claremorris 2-09

    Ballaghaderreen 3-11 Garrymore 0-18

    Senior Relegation semi-final

    Knockmore 1-12 Crossmolina Deel Rovers 0-07

    Mayo Intermediate Football Championship

    Quarter Finals

    Burrishoole 1-15 Ballinrobe 1-05

    Belmullet 5-16 Swinford 1-05

    Kiltimagh 0-13 Louisburgh 1-06

79. Has Enda McGinley any management or coaching experience .He played for Errigal Ciaran the same club as Peter Canavan and Mickey Harte.

80. Players who impressed today.
    Donie Newcombe.
    Donie Vaughan.
    Paddy Durcan, a class act.
    James Durcan, improving all the time.
    Neil Douglas, should have seen more game time in the green&red this season.
    For Claremorris Conor Diskin stood out.He gave Ger McDonagh a torrid time.
    Physically very strong.Good in the air & very direct when he gets on ball & can finish.He is the closest thing we have to
    a Damien Comer in this county.
    Gary Golden & Caolan Crowe were best for Garrymore.Cathal Slattery at times showed what he can do.
    For Ballagh best were Sharoize Akram at times.
    Ryan Lynch.
    Good to see Kuba Callaghan coming in and making a good impression. Still only a minor,he has good pace & size.

81. Statin the obvious but Mitchels & The Tubber by far the most impressive this weekend. The former may be hot favourites in the semis but Ballintubber looked well balanced and hungry and players like Alan Dillon havent forgotten how to play football. An intriguing rehashing of old matchups/old score-settling awaits….

    In the other half of the draw Breaffy could finally be getting the breaks and arrive almost un-noticed to the final after a stop start disappointing match-up with Westport no more than Garrymore failing to deliver on anticipated promise. Anyone who decries AOS’s commitment or effectiveness for Breaffy needs counseling, he was immense and drove them on…Lee Keegan was wasting his time trying to rattle him…AOS needs to be reffed like any other player, ongoing treatment he gets such as in 2016 semi was (imo ) out of order..I wouldnt begrudge the big man a county medal…n no am not a Breaffy man…

82. Willie Joe-how do I send you a private message?

83. Whitey – Just email me directly at mayogaablog@ymail.com.

84. As I have mentioned before Ger appears to have good info,hope we have a good appointment wonder who the former footballer would be,because I cannot see many who could commit the time and effort unless they were thinking of a change of career,all the best to whoever gets it, I believe most of the team will be there and after a year of rest and recuperation will be ready to take Dublin,thank you Willie Joe for keeping us up to date and more importantly keeping us in check

85. I’m not from Breaffy either but Aidan O’Shea got dogs abuse yesterday. He was blatantly body checked at one point, the ref put up his hand to allow advantage but didn’t come back afterwards to give the black card?!

    I would like them get over the line this year as well but can’t see it unfortunately.

86. With respect to Solan and I believe he has a big future with Mayo GAA, but I think if the Executive don’t go for Horan then it’s very much a political decision and not one motivated solely by football interests. It should really be cut and dry, this decision, one has heaps of experience at the top level and is proven while the other has little or none which is a big gamble.

87. Ger – unfortunately you seem to be on the money there. Many in Mayo GAA circles are of the same understanding – which is a real worry. Hopefully sense will prevail. This is too big an appointment to f#@k up.

88. Mid West radio had a good interview with Horan in their round up this evening. He was very enthusiastic about the future and young players in the county. He also said he’d got umpteen emails from people looking to be in his backroom team!

89. I find you always end up disappointed when you hope for sense with this county board.

90. I don’t pretend to have any great knowledge. I hear the same things at others when at matches.

    I’m speculating on how the County Board may look at things given the comments that have been made previously by the Chairman.

    We don’t want to go down a Cork route where a generation of players are lost to involvement in Mayo GAA because of a fight with officialdom. Look at all those great Cork hurlers – the Rock, Brian Corcoran, Donal Og, Joe Deane, Sean Og. None of them helping the cause. Many of our heroes are at the older stage and if there is any plan to push them out now because of past “crimes” then that will be damaging. It would be preferable if the officers involved in the previous controversial incidents excused themselves from this appointment. If Michael is the best candidate good for him, and we all row in, but the process is worrying. Even down to the fact that nominations were reluctantly confirmed and then we are told you will hear nothing else until the appointment is made.

    To me and many it just seems to smell.

91. Hopefully you are wrong Ger for the sake of Mayo gaa,unfortunately I fear you are correct but be in doubt that if they can mess things up they will,I fully believe that after a year off to rest and recover from the amount of serious injuries they suffered this year that with the addition of two or three new players we can make the summit next year,but I believe it needs James Horan of the two mentioned,personally I believe Stephen deserved another year

92. I share your concerns Ger and Corick bridge. I fear that this appointment has the potential to make or break this team for the coming years. I actually believe it has the potential to do the same to both nominees. There is little doubt that James is the best man for the job right now, if he is not appointed it will be for all the wrong reasons. Michael is a great guy, he has a lot to offer Mayo, both now (at u20 in my opinion) and in the future as a senior manager. I worry that this is just too soon for him, for a number of reasons. We should all be delighted that James is willing to take this on again, this team will respond to him and he will get the best out of each of them. Wherever that would lead us is for another discussion.
    I hope that at least 3 of the 5 who have the decision to make on our behalf, can do whats best for Mayo football.

93. You are correct Ger. The county board are already very reluctant to be transparent about this, which stinks.