Photo: Mayo GAA
Okay, let’s keep the focus with the on-field stuff for a bit longer. This year’s county senior football championship is now down to the last four, with the semi-finals going ahead this coming Sunday (October 11th) and the Moclair Cup decider then taking place on, as far as I know, October 25th.
Last year’s champions Ballintubber and the team they beat in the final – Castlebar Mitchels – are once again the ones to watch most closely. With three county titles in the last five years, the Tubbermen will be difficult to dislodge this year and they’re currently the 5/4 favourites to do the business later this month. Castlebar are priced at 6/4, with Breaffy – who take on Ballintubber next weekend – at 5/1, while Knockmore, who face Mitchels, are the 13/2 outsiders. (Odds from Paddy Power here).
What do you reckon: who’ll win it out this year?
Who'll win the county championship this year?
- Ballintubber (39%, 197 Votes)
- Castlebar Mitchels (27%, 135 Votes)
- Breaffy (25%, 126 Votes)
- Knockmore (10%, 49 Votes)
Total Voters: 507

I believe the winners of the first semi will probably do it. I would expect that Castlebar have too much for Knockmore and if they win they will be hard to stop. I was impressed with some of the young players that played for Kockmore last year even when the Tubber were running all over them. Knockmore are a championship side like no other and they are moving in the right direction.
Its the Mitchels for me. Great balance throughout the team with a strong bench. Should be two great games this weekend – looking forward to dropping in to MacHale park to watch the teams in action.
Ballintubber to win back to back titles and this time to go one better than last year and win Connacht.
I too am going to say Castlebar just think they have the most game this season.
tubber, more scoring threats although Mitchell’s probably have the stronger midfield
Knockmores young forwards are an exciting prospect. I hope that Knockmore advance. I just think it adds something new to the scene. A hell of a club for getting every ounce of talent in their available pick.
Similar Breaffy, I think tis only of benefit if one of these clubs Breaffy/Knockmore can get an extended run for their young developing players.
I think Mitchels too, though I would like to see Knockmore advance. Good to see a North Mayo club on the up again; similarly the Stephenites who are hopefully heading in the right direction.
Also good to see the times brought forward so as to avoid a clash with the rugby on the Sunday – very sensible.
Great idea to move the games forward. All eyes will be following the rugby later.
Anyone see James Horans comments on the Western People, describing the players move s “courageous” interesting! Off topic I know, think the county championship is between Castlebar and Ballintubber. Will Jason Gibbons play himself into the new manager’s (whoever that will be?) affections. I think he will!
Mitchells for me; strong midfield.
Yes agree with JH comments in Western. Players were courageous and went to great lengths to highlight issues in such a manner that that they will be finally addressed.
Players looking for a clean process for Leadership of a national standard; not power.
Hard to see past Mitchels and Ballintubber for the final, but stranger things have happened. Being a knockmore man myself, I’ll be hoping for an upset but it might be a year to soon.
Ballintubber for me.all round a very good side and they have natural scoring forwards.
Hard to know what to expect of breaffy they may well put it up to ballintubber but they prob just don’t have enough overall.
Castlebar and knockmore should be a good game.dont be surprised of an upset here.i expect Castlebar to come through this one just about but don’t think they have enough natural scoring forwards to trouble ballintubber! I don’t think they are as strong as when they reached club final and really haven’t added any new players that have made a huge contribution since then.
Knockmore I shall expect to put it up to Mitchell’s.they have a decent young team .they won 5 north Mayo minor a titles between 2010 and 2014 so they have a strong nucleus of a good young team.they probably a year or two to soon of challenging for a county title.
Correction 5 north titles 2009 to 2013
Look we need James to come out and confirm that he is interested, so that everyone can get behind him. I had understood that Keith, Aidan and the lads met him in the Regency on the night of the replay and he said he would love to come back and even discussed having Alan D In his team. What a great combination, come on James your county needs you.
Mitchels for me looked the strongest of the 4 left last weekend, but then it’s hard to call really. Hoping we see another title in Castlebar this year.
Hoping for another ballintubber castlebar final am very very disappointed at the Connaught telegraph naming the 7 player s that voted against the players talk about causing trouble th