The final round of group games in the Galway Senior Football Championship arrives with plenty still to be decided across all four groups.
Three of the touted 'Big Four' and three seeded teams in Corofin, Salthill/Knocknacarra and Maigh Cuilinn have already secured knockout football, but elsewhere the battle for direct quarter-final qualification, preliminary quarter-final positioning and avoiding the relegation play-offs should ensure a fascinating conclusion to the group stages.
Group 1
Claregalway v Mountbellew/Moylough
With both sitting on two points and Corofin uncatchable at the top, this is effectively a shootout for second place and a perceived kinder preliminary quarter final. Claregalway responded impressively to their opening defeat by putting three first-quarter goals past Killannin, with Conor Flaherty striking twice and Jack Lonergan also prominent.
Mountbellew/Moylough were excellent for a half against Corofin before being overwhelmed after the restart. There was enough in that opening-half display to suggest Damien McHugh's men can respond, and their greater attacking firepower earns them the nod.
Prediction: Mountbellew/Moylough
Killannin v Corofin
All form suggests a mismatch between unbeaten group leaders and a Killannin side still searching for their first point. The return of Johnny Heaney, Dara Walsh and Ryan Roche strengthened Killannin against Claregalway, but conceding three early goals effectively ended their challenge.
Corofin, conversely, were hugely impressive after half-time against Mountbellew/Moylough. Jason Leonard supplied the goal, while Dylan McHugh, Darragh Silke, Vinny Gill and Ross Coen all influenced proceedings. Gary Delaney may rotate with a quarter-final secured, but Corofin should still possess too much even in a dead-rubber tie.
Prediction: Corofin
Group 2
Milltown v Bearna na Forbacha
One of the weekend's most interesting contests. Bearna know avoiding defeat guarantees progression, while a draw for Milltown may be enough if Salthill/Knocknacarra defeat Caltra.
Eoin Mannion's stoppage-time point rescued Milltown last time out, with Michael Martin also hugely influential from placed balls. Bearna, meanwhile, endured a chastening afternoon against Salthill/Knocknacarra but their opening victory over Caltra remains priceless. Cian Hernon gives them considerable presence around midfield, although Milltown's greater senior experience and scoring options might just swing a tight encounter.
Prediction: Milltown
Salthill/Knocknacarra v Caltra
Salthill/Knocknacarra are beginning to look increasingly formidable. Their five-goal demolition of Bearna secured a quarter-final berth with a round to spare, while the returns of Matthew Thompson and Cathal Sweeney further strengthen Finian Hanley’s options. Robert Finnerty was devastating with 2-6.
Caltra deserve considerable credit for their draw with Milltown, with Shaun Keane and Alan Naughton helping themselves to three goals. They remain firmly alive in the qualification battle but face an enormous challenge against a Salthill outfit gathering momentum. They can qualify in defeat if Milltown suffer the same fate to Bearna and scoring difference remains in their favour.
Prediction: Salthill/Knocknacarra
Group 3
Maigh Cuilinn v Monivea/Abbey
The champions have progressed with minimum fuss despite the continued absence of Sean Kelly, Peter Cooke and Dessie Conneely. Owen Gallagher’s return provided another major boost against Dunmore, dovetailing superbly with Niall Walsh and Fionn McDonagh, who came off injured in a club hurling game last weekend.
Monivea/Abbey, however, possess one of the championship’s form forwards in Glenn Kelly. After 2-9 in Round 1, he struck another nine points against Leitir Móir. With Maigh Cuilinn already assured of knockout football, they still should take care of business here.
Prediction: Maigh Cuilinn
Dunmore MacHales v Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir
Dunmore remain in a strong position despite defeat to Maigh Cuilinn, but their defensive vulnerability remains notable after conceding eight goals across two games.
Leitir Móir came agonisingly close against Monivea/Abbey and Oisín Mac Donnacha again demonstrated his quality, but two defeats leave them fighting to escape the relegation play-offs. Dunmore possess considerable attacking weapons of their own - including the Costellos - and should have enough to secure the result required.
Prediction: Dunmore MacHales
Group 4
Annaghdown v Oughterard
Arguably the most fascinating group of all, with every team still having something substantial to play for. Annaghdown lead the way after Damien Comer produced a superb 2-3 against Tuam Stars, including the decisive late goal.
Oughterard arrive with confidence transformed after overturning an eight-point half-time deficit against St James', Matthew Tierney helping spark a stunning second-half revival. That makes this difficult to call, but Comer's presence gives a youthful Annaghdown an attacking focal point few club defences can handle.
Prediction: Annaghdown
St James' v Tuam Stars
Both desperately need a response. St James’ have now surrendered significant leads in consecutive games, most recently conceding 3-11 after half-time against Oughterard to lose by eight after leading by eight.
Tuam will be equally frustrated after recovering from nine points down to lead Annaghdown, only for Comer to ultimately deny them. Jack Grugan, Luke Davin and Brian Mannion provide plenty of attacking quality and, despite last weekend’s setback, Tuam look better equipped to finish the group stage positively.
Prediction: Tuam Stars
