Group 1:
Salthill/Knocknacarra v Caherlistrane, Saturday, 3.45pm, Kenny Park
Leitir Mór v Mountbellew/Moylough, Saturdy, 3.45pm, Pearse Stadium
With Salthill/Knocknacarra guaranteed progression and top spot due to their head to head record with Leitir Mór and Mountbellew this game will be a chance for Finian Hanley to try out new players and systems if he wants. It is more likely that he will try and cement how his side are playing and how he would like them to play in the quarter final in two weeks time.
On the other hand Neil McHugh must prepare his side for a relegation semi-final and his aim from this game will be to make his side hard to beat as they struggled in both of their games so far in this group. Mountbellew/Moylough v Leitir Mór will decide who goes through the group in second or third place for the preliminary playoffs as second will play third in a different group and so on.
Val Daly’s side have impressed so far with their grit and hard work getting a win against Caherlistrane and coming so close to Salthill in their first game. With so many debutants this season Barry McHugh and John Daly have really stood up for their side to help the new players get their feel for championship football. Leitir Mór, in their games have impressed with their attacking prowess but have often looked under pressure when they have to defend. This game should be decided between both sets of full forward lines.
Group 2:
Maigh Cuilinn v St. James’, Saturday, 5.30pm, Pearse Stadium
Monivea/Abbey v Dunmore MacHales, Saturday, 5.30pm, Tuam Stadium
Under the guidance of new manager Cathal Clancy and coach Mark McHugh, Maigh Cuilinn have won their opening two games in the senior football championship. Having struggled against a gale force wind in their opening half of the first game it has been all plain sailing since. Winning that game by a point and easily defeating Monivea/Abbey in their second game.
Maigh Cuilinn need a result from this game to guarantee top spot whereas Barry Downey managed St. James’ need a win to top the group. St. James have won one and drawn one so far with the experienced Paul Conroy and Johnny Duane studying the ship allowing for the younger players to make their mark. The Monivea/Abbey and Dunmore game is a straight shootout with Dunmore needing a win to avoid a relegation semi-final.
Having lost both their games by the bare minimum, Dunmore manager Gary Delaneys side could very well have been looking at a win in this game to top the group. His young side continue to impress but have just struggled to get over the line. Bunt Roche’s side did very well to claw back a draw against St. James’ on the opening weekend after trailing 0-7 to 0-0 at the 20 minute mark before coming undone against a determined Maigh Cuilinn outfit.
A draw here will be enough for his side to survive their first year back in senior football but he will have to send his side out to win this game. If Dunmore can somehow curtail the influence of Cillian McDaid and Glenn Kelly they will have a very good chance of getting the required result.
Group 3:
Corofin v Tuam Stars, Sunday, 5pm, Tuam Stadium
Oughterard v Claregalway, Sunday, 5pm, Pearse Stadium
Corofin and Tuam are both guaranteed progression through the group but the winner of this local rivalry will top the group and avoid the preliminary quarter final. Corofin have not been convincing so far but have won both their games to date. They have never come out of second gear but also needed late scores in both games to confirm their wins.
Tuam were unlucky at the end against Claregalway, but were a lot more convincing in their win over Oughterard. Corofin should have too much for their neighbours but will need a significant improvement in their performance to win. Claregalway narrowly bet Tuam in their opening game and put it up to Corofin for most of their second round clash.
A result here is needed however if they are to progress as an Oughterard win could very easily knock the Balchies out of the championship. If Corofin defeat Tuam, then Alan Kelly’s side need to beat Claregalway by 4 points or more to get through on the head to head. If Tuam get a draw or win against Corofin then any form of an Oughterard win is enough to send Claregalway into relegation.
Group 4:
Killannin v Annaghdown, Sunday, 3.15pm, Pearse Stadium
Barna v Milltown, Sunday, 3.15pm, Tuam Stadium
Annaghdown are the only side guaranteed to get out of this group with two wins from two a loss for Killannin will leave them depending on a Milltown result or superior score difference for progression.
Damien Comer has been really impressive for his side so far and has shown what damage he can do when fit, scoring the all important goal in the second round win over Milltown. Norman O’Brien’s side have navigated their way through a tough group and a win here will allow them skip the preliminary quarter final. Killannin have leant and heavily on the Sweeney’s and Johnny Heaney so far this year but their successful u19 team from last year are gradually growing into their roles as senior footballers. Killannin and Milltown are in the same position going into this final round of fixtures.
A win could see either side top the group but a loss could just as easily find them in the relegation battle. Barna must win or are certain to be in relegation regardless of score differences. Barna must win by at least two points with a Killannin loss if they are to better Killannin’s score difference. If Barna win by 6 points or more then Milltown will be in the relegation semi-final.
If Barna and Killannin both win then Milltown will be in the relegation semi-final. There are bound to be many twists and turns in each group ahead of an exciting weekend of football in the Galway club championship.
Intermediate fixtures:
Group 1:
Clifden v Oileáin Árann, Saturday, 3.45pm, Ros Muc
Kilconly v St. Brandan’s, Saturday, 3.45pm, Tuam Stadium
Group 2:
Corofin v An Spidéal, Saturday, 2pm, The Prairie
St. Gabriels v Williamstown, Saturday 2pm, Kenny Park
Group 3:
Oranmore/Maree v Menlough, Saturday, 3pm, Duggan Park
Glenamaddy v St. Michaels, Saturday, 4.45pm, Duggan Park
Group 4:
Cartoon Shamrocks v Míchaél Breathnach, Sunday, 1pm, Kenny Park
Caltra v Kilkerrin/Clonberne, Sunday, 1pmDuggan Park
