While it’s county final weekend for the LGFA, in men’s football the Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships have reached the semi-final stage, with these penultimate round ties set to be contested this coming Saturday and Sunday. The weekend also sees relegation play-off finals taking place.
Here’s the full list of matches on this weekend.
SFC semi-finals (both matches live on Mayo GAA TV)
- Breaffy v Castlebar Mitchels, Fr O’Hara Park, Charlestown, Saturday 3.30pm (tickets)
- Knockmore v Ballina Stephenites, St Tiernan’s Park, Crossmolina, Sunday 1pm (tickets)
SFC relegation play-off final
- Ballyhaunis v The Neale, Garrymore, Saturday 4pm (tickets) NB: Note updated throw-in time
IFC semi-finals (both matches live on Mayo GAA TV)
- Bohola Moy Davitts v Kilmeena, Islandeady, Sunday 1pm (tickets)
- Ballinrobe v Castlebar Mitchels B, Tourmakeady, Sunday 3.30pm (tickets)
IFC relegation play-off final
- Kiltimagh v Bonniconlon, Swinford, Saturday 3.30pm (tickets)
JFC semi-finals
- Shrule/Glencorrib v Cill Chomáin, Westport, Saturday 3.30pm (tickets)
- Eastern Gaels v Lahardane MacHales, Foxford, Saturday 4pm (tickets) NB: Note updated throw-in time
Castlebar B will give Ballinrobe a rattle but fancy Ballinrobe.
Moy Davitts look the stand out team this year in intermediate.
Game of the weekend which I plan to travel down to is Knockmore v Ballina … should be a cracker .
Ballina probably favourites but you never rule out Knockmore !!
Mitchels B have done excellently, but you would have to worry about standard generally when they were able to reach this stage of Intermediate competition yet finished 5pts behind Knockmore B (Who have won Junior A, 3 of the 4 years its on the go, but are not allowed progress to intermediate) in league and level on points with Ballycroy (who finished 3rd in their junior group).
A great weekend of club football upon us.
Ballina comfortably leading the poll here and seems to be the same with the bookies. Very hard to see past them considering the depth in their panel. Castlebar and Breffey will be interesting. Breffey on a high but can they finally get over the line this year? Castlebar never know when they are beaten and no doubt will have a big say on where the Moclair cup goes this year.
Hard to tell who will win the Semi finals as they are both local derbies.
@Gizmobobs The B team’s league form is a bit misleading in general. To be fair to Mitchels B, when the county players go from the A team then the B team gets picked apart to fill the gaps until the county players return. Factor in a few injuries or lads gone for the summer from the A team squad and then a even more lads are taken from the B team. Quite a few of the B team’s starting 15 played Division 1 football with Castlebar Mitchels A this year for this reason.
Overall its hard to quite tell the standard of the intermediate grade. Is it as tight as it was from say 2019 to 2021? No. For those 3 seasons the competition was genuinely unpredictable, with 5-10 genuine contenders each year. Now it looks more like 2 or 3 big guns and the chasing pack to follow. This bodes well for the eventual champions when they go on to Connacht.
True onthefence, but if look at match reports for Knockmore and Mitchels A and B teams in league and compare to championship similarities are there. Knockmore Seniors had similar issues with 4 lads with County and 3 or 4 in US. So approx half the A team had be replaced with B team players and both teams C team players had to step up to B.
My point is the current championship structures penalises clubs with strong panels and limits the games they get to play due to the exclusive junior system. The new structure has resulted in some junior teams shipping some almighty hidings as they face fellow junior teams who could be 4 divisions above them in league.
@Gizmobobs I 100% agree that we need to revisit the junior system. Junior Exclusive only punishes clubs B teams. I’m sure both Knockmore B and Westport B would have been competitive in Junior Exclusive this year if they were allowed enter, and they should be allowed enter.
I’m sure the weaker junior clubs are tired of getting hammering after hammering in the groups until the Junior B finals come around. Regrade the teams, make a proper Junior A and a Junior B filled out with B teams and make it a level playing field.
https://mayogaa.com/news-detail/10088023/?fbclid=PAAaY9j33RaoaA3Fdqfghd0MDugg-WRR5Mdq_a7aOZ5KhLPiPlz4mlKOU5Djs
Programmes out for the weekends games at bove link, for all they worth I’d imagine. Expect changes to nearly all teams.
Ballina even have Ger Cafferkey down to start despite been knocked clean out and being put into recovery position by a team mate last day out.
Pity we were not more like the rugby and just name the team that’s meant to start.
Mayo Exclusive Junior B
Semi Finals:
Tourmakeady V Achill
Achill are the reigning B Junior champions but they had higher expectations this year such as progressing in Exclusive Championship but it wasn’t to be and remain to be seen whether the interest in it to win this competition.
Tourmakeady have lost 2 of the last 3 Junior B finals so they be aiming to win one before focusing on the Excusive A.
Tourmakeady by 2.
Kilmovee Shamrocks V Ballycastle
Both teams just unlucky not to reach the Exclusive Quarter Finals due to scoring difference for Ballycastle and Kilmovee had only 2 games to play in there group.
Both teams will be targeting to win this tournament.
Ballycastle by 1.
Mayo Exclusive Junior Semi Finals:
Cill Chomain V Shrule/Glencorrib
Both strong favourites for the title.
Cill Chomain toughest exam yet having ease through Ardagh, Ardagh & Northern Gaels.
Shrule/Glencorrib have lost the previous 2 Semi Finals in recent years aiming to finally get to a JFC final since returning to Junior in 2020.
Cill Chomain by 2.
Lahardane MacHales V Eastern Gaels
Lahardane are peaking in the right time with Adrain/Barry Leonard back full force.
Eastern Gaels were deserving winners V Killala and it’s no surprise they beat Swinford last. Dean/Michael McGarry, Joe Boyle and Godfrey all major names to Eastern Gaels.
Lahardane MacHales by 5.
Mayo IFC Semi Finals:
Bohola Moy Davitts V Kilmeena
A repeat of last year semi final with Kilmeena prevailing but this time around Bohola Moy Davitts are flying and banging in goals with former Mayo player Brian Reape back fit and notch 4-8 and was absent last year due to injury is a huge factor to Moy Davitts.
Bohola Moy Davitts by 3.
Ballinrobe V Castlebar Mitchells B
Credit goes to Castlebar the first B team to reach the last 4 of the IFC.
Also a note that Knockmore B and Westport B are missing out this experience and hugely beneficial for Castlebar youth footballers and interest levels.
Ballinrobe have been knocking on the door each year since returning to Intermediate in 2018 so they be aiming for the there first IFC final since 2002.
Ballinrobe by 4.
IFC Relegation Final:
Bonniconlon V Kiltimagh
The 2 longest serving intermediate club go head to head.
Bonniconlon Intermediate since 2004 have only reach 1 quarter finals and been in the relegation play offs amazingly 90% of the past 19 years.
Kiltimagh Intermediate since 2010 from there great run losing the All-Ireland JFC final.
Kiltimagh have been dreadful this year hammering in each game they have played league/championship.
I go for Bonniconlon to survive because they are so use to this situation but regardless to both sides they will be strong in Junior in 2024.
Bonniconlon by 2.
Mayo SFC Semi Finals:
Castlebar Mitchells V Breaffy
Castlebar came back from the dead V Ballintubber and haven’t been playing well this championship.
I say earlier Breaffy are in transition due to Liam Irwin, Seamus O’Shea, Eddie Conroy, Gerry Jennings and Robert Hennelly all gone.
They have upset Westport and Aidan O’Shea is probably the player of the club championship and I like to see him winning the SFC title before he finish up.
Castlebar love beating Breaffy and they should be fired up.
Castlebar Mitchells by 3.
Ballina Stephenites V Knockmore
2 great North Mayo rivals go head to head and always bring the best of each other.
Ballina demolishes Belmullet last time out and remain focus to end there 16 years wait for the SFC title. Knockmore have the experience and the know how having won in 2020/2021 and won’t surprise me if they win.
Ballina Stephenites by 1.
Mayo SFC Relegation Final:
Ballyhaunis V The Neale
The repeat of the 2019 IFC Final which was a historic day for the Neale while Ballyhaunis were heartbroken so they know they can put 2019 heartbreak to bed this weekend.
Unfortunately for The Neale it been a torrid year for them having failed to win a single league/championship game this year. Tommy Conroy still hasn’t reach the heights following his bad injury January 2022 and hopefully he be back in flying form soon because he is hugely important for both Mayo and of course The Neale.
Ballyhaunis by 4.
Gwan Breaffy to lift Moclair
Ballina have the players but an anchor on didline knockmore by 2
Some seriously good looking g match ups this weekend. Been tipping Ballina but wouldn’t be one bit surprised if Knockmore win that one. Same in the other game. Castlebar look to have the tools to be top drawer but Breaffy have been outperforming them to date. Would love to see Barry Moran and co let the shackles off and see what his team are capable of but I guess he knows best. Breaffy for me.
As regards promotion and relegation I’d like to see a change here. I believe that relegation semis should actually be deciders and Intermediate semi finals should also be deciders and let the two finalists who are both promoted play for the trophy. Hard to deny that any two of BMD, Ballinrobe and Kilmeena haven’t done enough to deserve promotion. By the same token Ballyhaunis and The Neale have had enough chances to preserve their senior status and shouldn’t be handed a get-out-of-jail-card. For me it’s a Ballinrobe BMD final and The Neale being relegated.
Castlebar B must surely be delighted with the under the radar entry into semi final . It is hard to understand that a team that went to kilmaine in the championship and won easily there can be underestimated. Nobody wins easily on kilmaine. But the standout result was beating crossmolina, everyone had crossmolina as one of the favourites and it’s a club with a great tradition. Ballinrobe team and management will be very wary of this semi final, castlebar B have taken them out not too long ago in championship. At this stage of senior and intermediate championship, any of the 4 teams can win it.
Breaffy with a shock win over Castlebar. Aidan with one of his all time great performances. Hard to see how Conor O’Shea isn’t a sub midfielder for the Mayo seniors. He outshines Ruane every game.
Aidan was just phenomenal, really hope they go on to win it out now for his sake because he deserves a county title.
Even as a Castlebar fan, must say that Breaffy were deserving winners today, Aido was outstanding, with an excellent cameo from fellow veteran sub James Minogue, when he came on. Mitchels need to add some firepower or to change their attacking system if they want to win the Moclair Cup in future, they only looked dangerous when they ran directly at Breaffy towards the end of the game, rather than endlessly recycling,
Now go and win the bloody thing, Breaffy!
Congratulations to Breaffy and Aido. Many had written them off. Another great win for Cormac Reape’s Knockmore ladies despite one of the strangest refereeing performances of all time.
Final Whistle pod is back! Up on Patreon now, featuring Mike and me, with analysis from John Casey and post-match reaction from Breaffy manager Konrad Coghill.
Congratulations to Breaffy from a Castlebar man, hope they win it out.
Great sportsmanship for Jr and other Mitchell’s supporters. I watched the match a good spirited match and the best team won. Great to see Aiden doing selfies with the kids!
What a legend!
Heard today that John Rahm spends 1.5hr signing autographs after playing on the DP tour in Spain another golfing legend!
Mhuigeo Abu!
Congratulations to Breaffy GAA today.. How appropriate it would be if Breaffy finally landed the Moclair Cup on this their 70th Anniversary. I know Knockmore or Ballina will have something to say about that.. For now Com’on Ireland v the All Blacks!
Ireland gone, such a pity..come on Breaffy now!!
Aidan deserves one after all the heartbreak he has endured on so many levels.
Very poor first half in Crossmolina, 0-3 to 0-2 in Knockmore’s favour at the break. The shooting in particular has been fairly wayward, as it was in the other SFC semi-final yesterday.
What I’ve seen of the Mayo SFC this year wouldn’t convince me that we have huge reserves of talent outside of the county panels tbh.
Ireland blew it big time last night, think we will not have such an opportunity again for a long time, to progress while other big sides like England, Wales, Australia, maybe even the All-Blacks themselves are in transition.
Low scoring in Crossmolina but it hasn’t been the worst game.
Wayward shooting from awkward angles and lack of composure in front of goals but theres chances for both sides, wouldn’t say it’s particularly defensive or anything.
Are you for real “ it hasn’t been that bad “ it’s two of the top senior clubs in mayo and it’s dire . Attackers are so poor , Luke Feeney had an open goal chance and put it bloody wide . Knockmore have missed five point chances as far as I can recall . It’s very depressing stuff so far .
Evan Regan surely has a role to play in the 24 set up. He can score.
We still need a goalkeeper, don’t think colm Reape is the answer. Very erratic with kickouts and isn’t reliable enough from his 45s
Hi drama in the kilmeena Moy Davitts game. Going to extra time. kilmeema comes back from 7 points down, Moy davittts didn’t score in the final 25 minutes. Anybodys game now but kilmeena have the momentum
It is for Breaffy to lose now, shocking football today
@corick Bridge ballina will take it .
As bad as the football was today it pales in comparison to the reffing. I think Glen Ryan was right about poor Jerome Henry. Not up to reffing big games. Would be interesting to see what the free count was. Ballina probably just edged it but Knockmore missed a few good chances.
@Green&red ballina did edge but deserved it knockmore only have themselves to blame for the missed chances.
Well done to Ballina, but with Mayo eyes on was very poor fare though. Looking at county players Sam done well and Kevin McLoughlin. Evan Regan by far Ballinas best forward.
Murray was a big loss for Ballina, and Conor Flynn, Nathan Armstrong and Sean Holmes losses for Knockmore.
Had no impact on game but how Ger Cafferkey was playing after being knocked clean out less than fortnight ago is worrying from player welfare viewpoint.
@Gizmobobs yes very true about her cafferkey playing after being knocked not great for player welfare at all.
Ballina/ knockmore was always going to be close game. Evan reagan such a pity he doesn’t play for county ..
Kilmeena what an achievement reaching their 4th final in 4 years.
Kilmeena fought like demons in the second half, high percentages of scores from Moy davitts kickouts, they started breaking ball and won everything in middle third. Brian Reape started like a house on fire but didn’t get the service in second half. Moy davitts very poor in extra time gave the ball away from there own free kicks and kilmeena got a goal from one. Caolach Halligan for kilmeena was a handful a minor for Meath in 2015. Cian McHale never got into game and was well marked. All in all an entertaining game we no sweepers for most of game until game was in the melting pot and one score was going to win game.
Sam calinan really is some exciting player he was so good today against knockmore they said after loosing last years final they are determined to put things right this year and I think they will in the final hopefully haha ?
Poor enough in terms of quality Ballina v Knockmore but still entertaining also.Ballina were the better team overall.
Probably best for Ballina were Callinan , O Hora , Thornton, L Feeney and Regan.
Knockmore kicked more poor wides but can’t have any complaints overall as Ballina very dominant in 2nd half.
Pitch was in excellent condition today.
Hard to call final, if Thornton is out for Ballina be a huge loss and jack irwin got a straight red.
Watched the video of knockmore ballina game. Yellow card at most for Reape and Irwin. Video evidence is very clear.
So now we down to the finals. Has any new player really made a claim to a county jersey?
Some deserve trials no doubt, but hard say anyone really leading the pack or bursting on to scene.
Some in this year’s panel may be under pressure, but who could push them out??
Gizmobobs
Looking at intermediate level taking out count players already part of panel,
If you put this team up against county panelist that didn’t play that much last year I think you can come up with 4-5 players from the intermediate team that are worth a call up.
1 Luke Jennings
2 Conor Igoe
3 Aaron McDonnell
4 Donavan Cosgrove
5 Diarmuid Duffy
6 Stephen Staunton
7 Basil McLeod
8 Conor Reid
9 James Murphy
10 Dylan Prendergast
11Cian McHale
12 Darragh Reilly
13 Caolach Halligan
14 Brian Reape
15 Kevin Quinn
Also
Bryan o Flaherty
Darren McDonnell
Evan o Brien
Nathan Moran
Ronan Reilly
Ronan Carolan
Allie Morrison
Put that team up against
1. Rory Byrne
2.Ruairi Keane
3.Rory Brickenden
4.Brendan Harrison
5.Donnacha Mchugh
6.Michael Plunkett
7.Eoghan McLaughlin
8.James McCormack
9.Bob Tuohy
10.Fiona McDonagh
11.Paul McStay
12.Frank Irwin
13.Darren McHale
14.Cillian o Connor
15.Paul Towey
New Final Whistle pod up now. I’m hosting this one, with post-match analysis from Colm Boyle and from Shauna Howley, with whom I also chat about Knockmore’s LGFA county final win yesterday.
Fair play to Kilmeena, no body gave them a chance.
Should be great finals.
Mitchell’s look good going forward when they combine Intermediate and Senior squads
The 4 experts on Ah Ref gave Kilmeena a chance. 2 of them went for a Kilmeena win
@mayomessi – It’s Conor McStay, not Paul. That would be his father!
Gizmobobs
Surely ballina have player interest at heart regarding cafferky and he’s pass assessment before playing otherwise reckless from them
The Intermediate semis were far more enjoyable as a neutral than the senior ones. The Ballinrobe style of play in particular was refreshing. Breaffy and in particular Aidan O’Shea deservedly came out on top against Castlebar who just seem so inhibited and afraid to throw off the shackles. Delighted for the likes of Clarke and Cafferkey to have another chance of Moclair glory.
PaddyJ, presume so technically. The women’s protocol for a concussion is minimum of two weeks I think Mens is only one.
It just seems off that someone who can be knocked clean out can play in less than two weeks.
I’m no medical expert, but having seen impacts of concussion personally I would be reluctant to put a lad who was just groggy after a collision for a couple of weeks, nevermind knocked out and put into recovery position by teammate on pitch.
They did in fairness Lucero, I thoughy Kilmeena would put it up to them but that BMD would do the job all same. I haven’t watched that game yet did anyone stuck out as a bolder? I liked look of Conor Reid when he came in v Crossmolina Deel Rovers.