The first weekend in December will see the Mayo league finally wrap up the business end of its competitions when Swinford and Manulla clash in the Chadwicks Cup final in Milebush.
The show piece game in the county will pit two sides who despite very good seasons have failed to get their hands on any silverware for their efforts. Swinford, who made their way back into the Super League thanks to finishing runners up to Westport United B in the premier division, will go into the game as underdogs against a Manulla side who finished fourth in the Super League in a season which saw them claim a number of big scalps, if not really threatening to make a concerted effort to claim the crown.
But coming from the second division into the cup final need not be a hindrance to Sean Kavanagh's side as Straide and Foxford United proved last year when they claimed the cup.
Manulla will have to wear the favourites cap on Sunday and manager Damien Ansbro will have his side well drilled as to what they will have to do over the 90 minutes. Up front in Roger Clarke they have a veteran striker who really has had a come back into form scoring almost 20 goals this season. Declan Tonra is another man who will cause the Swinford defence a number of problems, he bagged a couple of goals in their final game in the league and his all action style will keep the Swinford defence on their toes. And while Tommy Walsh who injured his shoulder in that final league game against Westport looks like a serious doubt they still have a number of players such as Damien Coleman, David Gallagher, and Dessie Campbell who could have a serious influence on the outcome of this game.
For Swinford Gordon Carter, Trevor McDonnell, Nigel Sweeney, and Tom Kavanagh will all be key players in their challenge for the cup.
Chadwicks Cup final in Milebush Park, Sunday December 6 at 2
