Saturday afternoon promises to be a battle in the west that is not to be missed. Ballintubber, who are going for three in a row, will face off against local rivals Castlebar Mitchels who are still smarting from last year’s final defeat. The two west Mayo clubs breezed through the competition up to the semi-final stage where both Claremorris and St Gerald’s put it up to them, setting up tomorrow’s mouth watering encounter.
Both sides will have a large number of survivors from last year’s final in action, and familiarity between the sides through years of underage, schools, and inter county football together will only add to the intrigue of this clash.
Castlebar Mitchels forward unit, containing the likes of Aidan Walsh, Neil Douglas, Cian Costello, Ger McDonnagh, and Fergal Durkan, on paper and past form looks to be one of the most formidable units on any side in the county at most levels. But Ballintubber are no slouches at this level either, Cillian O’Connor, Dean Gavin, Darragh Somerville, and Dean Loftus are more than capable of causing the Mitchels back line plenty of problems.
In the middle of the park the advantage looks to be with the defending champions with Jason Gibbons and Danny Geraghty a tried and tested partnership, but Danny Kirby has shown the potential to become a serious player in this position and he still has another three years u21 after this to play. Last year there was the bare minimum between the sides and this year there will probably be not much more for either side.
Southern shootout in B final
While the A decider is an all west Mayo encounter, it is all southern pride that is up for grabs in Hollymount for the B title when Garrymore and Ballinrobe collide on Saturday evening. Garrymore will enter the game as favourites with a number of players who have worn the green and red of Mayo in minor and u21 action over the past few years. Shane Nally being the stand out name, having captained the minors in 2008 to the All Ireland final and making the break into the senior panel this year. But Ballinrobe will not be shirking the challenge in any way, and Norman O’Brien will have his side well up for the game and a chance to claim a second u21 B title in the space of four years. Meanwhile in the C final, Islandeady and Ardmoy will be going head to head after the main attraction in the A final in McHale Park on Saturday evening.
Fixtures
County u21 A final
Castlebar Mitchels v Ballintubber
Saturday, September 18 in McHale Park
Throw in at 4pm
County u21 B final
Ballinrobe v Garrymore
Saturday, September 18 in Hollymount
Throw in at 5pm
County u21 C final
Islandeady v Ardmoy
Saturday, September 18 in McHale Park
Throw in at 5.30pm.
