With four clubs to be relegated every game in the Galway FA premier division matters deeply so three crucial fixtures are on the agenda this weekend.
On Saturday Brendan O'Connor returns to the Westside as manager of Maree-Oranmore to face his former club, Corrib Rangers. O'Connor contributed handsomely to many successful days with Rangers, but is now very much part of Maree-Oranmore's building process.
Eager to bring through young players Maree-Oranmore's developing outfit have enjoyed some positive results recently. The away win over West United at O'Connor Park was a satisfying success for Maree-Oranmore with the form of Brendan Tully and Princewell Diala a source of encouragement.
Rangers, though, will be buoyed up by last weekend's Connacht Junior Cup win over Coolaney United. The victory will inject some confidence into a Rangers squad that remains eager to climb the table.
In Abbeyknockmoy on Sunday morning Stephen Walsh's improving Galway Hibernians outfit face a tough test against St Bernard's. The Abbeyknockmoy based club are anxious to respond following losses to Rangers and Corrib Celtic.
Keith Ward, making a welcome return to Hibs colours, scored in the Connacht Cup triumph over Moore United.
Loughrea host West United in another important tussle on Sunday afternoon. West have been without several important players in recent matches and know that a demanding assignment awaits with a Daryl Hayden inspired Loughrea team.
The top three in the league - Salthill Devon, Athenry, and Mervue United are all in FAI Junior Cup fourth round action.
Noel McDonnell's Mervue travel to the capital on Saturday for a tough away encounter with Malahide United. Seamie Crowe's Athenry are on the road the following day to play the well regarded Ferrybank.
Drom will provide the backdrop for Victor Collins' Salthill Devon's clash with Liffey Wanderers.
GALWAY FA PREMIER DIVISION FIXTURES **Subject to change
SATURDAY: Corrib Rangers v Maree-Oranmore (2pm )
SUNDAY: St Bernard's v Galway Hibernians (11am ), Loughrea v West United (2pm )
GALWAY FA PREMIER DIVISION TOP GOALSCORERS
14 - Enda Curran (Mervue United )
7 - Shane Concannon (Corrib Celtic ), Rory Brennan (Salthill Devon ), Ronan Caldwell (West United ), Daryl Hayden (Loughrea )
6 - Timmy Molloy (Salthill Devon ), Ciaran Nugent (Corrib Celtic )
FAI JUNIOR CUP FOURTH ROUND
SATURDAY: Malahide v Mervue United (2pm )
SUNDAY: Ferrybank v Athenry (2pm ), Salthill Devon v Liffey Wanderers (2pm )
