The battle to make into the last eight of the Mayo GAA Intermediate Championship continues this weekend with the final round of group games taking place over Saturday and Sunday.
In group one the top two sides will square off on Saturday evening when Kiltimagh and Belmullet meet in Ballina. The east Mayo men who have been beaten in the previous two finals look to be men on a mission this year. They have seen off both Ballyhaunis and Mayo Gaels in their opening two championship games and are flying in division one of the league. Belmullet sit just one point behind them, but will feel they should be level on points only for a controversial late point saw Ballyhaunis pull level with them late on in the last round. That late point from Eamonn Phillps could be the catalyst to Ballyhaunis sneaking into the last eight, if Kiltimagh see off Belmullet and the east Mayo men see off local rivals Mayo Gaels with a good scoring difference. It's all to play for on Saturday in group one.
On Wednesday night Burrishoole booked their passage out of group two alongside Swinford - thanks to a late Jason Doherty goal giving them a three point win over Islandeady. That win sent them into the last eight with a game to spare alongside the east Mayo men who they will face this Sunday. That leaves Islandeady and Bonniconlon to battle it out on Sunday to avoid the relegation play-offs.
In group three anything could happen, with all four sides all mathematically in with a chance of making the last eight, going into the final round of group games. The Neale lead the way on three points following their win over Ballinrobe in round two and draw with Castlebar Mitchels in round one. One point behind them sits both Ballinrobe and Ardnaree with one win each to their names and in fourth place, but still in with a shout, a long one, but still a shout, are Mitchels. This weekend sees Ballinrobe take on Mitchels in Ballintubber on Saturday evening, the south Mayo men need to pick up the win if they are going to have a crack at going straight back up to senior football, after getting relegated last term. The Neale and Ardnaree will meet in Castlebar at 2pm on Sunday and a win for either side will send them into the last eight. The Neale will be on the crest of a wave after their local derby win over Ballinrobe last time around, but Ardnaree are going to be no pushovers and will take some beating in what should be a really good encounter.
It looks like a two from three battle in group four with Parke, Louisburgh and Lahardane all battling it out for the two last eight spots and Shrule-Glencorrib the side who look like they are heading for the relegation play-offs. The south Mayo men will take on Parke in Castlebar on Sunday and the black and amber men will be confident of picking up the victory and the two points that should see them into the quarter-finals. In the other game in the group, Lousiburgh and Lahardane will do battle at the same time, just out the road in Breaffy. Louisbrugh have a 100 per cent record and will be looking to keep that intact when they take on last year's junior champions.
Group One
Kiltimagh v Belmullet; Saturday September 8 at 5pm in Ballina
Ballyhaunis v Mayo Gaels; Saturday September 8 at 5pm in Davitts
Group Two
Swinford V Burrishoole; Sunday September 9 at 2pm in Parke
Islandeady v Bonniconlon; Sunday September 9 at 2pm in Ballina
Group Three
The Neale v Ardnaree; Saturday September 8 at 4pm in MacHale Park
Castlebar Mitchels v Ballinrobe; Saturday September 8 at 4pm in Ballintubber
Group Four
Louisburgh v Lahardane; Sunday September 9 at 2.30pm in Breaffy
Parke KC v Shrule-Glencorrib; Sunday September 9 at 2.30pm in MacHale Park
