A mouthwatering potential showdown between Super League champions Castlebar Celtic and Westport United could be on the cards, following the quarter-final draw for the competition which took place this week.
The draw for the last eight of the competition, which is pencilled in to be played on Sunday, March 22, will see Westport United host Oliver Bond Celtic from the Leinster Senior League, while Castlebar Celtic, if they get over Gorey Rangers in their last 16 game, which has been rearranged for next weekend following weather issues - will be on the road to Athletic Union League side, Usher Celtic.
If United win their game they will be at home in the semi-final of the competition against Celtic, if they can make it through to the the next two rounds of the competition they have to play.
The inclement weather of late has played havoc with fixtures around the county in recent weeks - and has led to the Mayo League saying that they will be revising their fixtures diary in the coming days in relation to the start of the new domestic season, which was due to kick off over the weekend of March 14/15 - with the League One and League Two seasons potentially the only divisions to kick off that weekend.
Last weekend there were a number of Mayo sides in action in the Connacht Cup, in the big game Ballina Town exited the competition at the fourth round stage, going down 4-3 at home to Salthill Devon. Ballina Town had trailed 3-2 at the break, but had managed to pull themselves level before a late penalty saw the Galway side through.
Salthill Devon led 1-0 through a Shane Concannon goal, before Brendan Lavelle levelled things up for the homeside. Michael Gallagher put the visitors 2-1 up shortly afterwards - however that lead didn't last long, until Lavelle hit his second of the day to tie it up at 2-2. The final goal of a hectic first half went to Salthill Devon's Arraon Connolly, who headed home to put his side into a 3-2 half time lead.
Ballina Town pulled themselves level thanks to a Thomas Duffy header and left the game right on a knife-edge until Gallagher struck for his sides fourth and vital goal from the penalty spot seven minutes from the end.
Manulla progressed to the fifth round thanks to a 3-0 win away to West United B, with Paul Moran, David McCracken and Riain O'Connor finding the back of the net; Conn Rangers hit seven goals in a game that saw 11 goals scored to run out 7-4 winners with both Evan Reape and Eoin Prendergast hitting hat-tricks and Lorcan Towey getting the seventh goal for the north Mayo men. Ballyhaunis Town were beaten 5-0 at home by Ballinasloe Town, Claremorris were beaten 4-2 at home by Galway Hibs and West United A hit Ballyheane for eight goals as the 'Heane exited the competition.
On Sunday three more Mayo sides will be looking to book fifth round spots, Westport United will be away to Cliffoney Celtic, Ballyglass will be at home to Corrib Celtic and Castlebar Celtic will be on the road to Boyle Celtic.
