There was no let up in the action on the club scene last weekend, even after Mayo’s elimination from the All Ireland championship.
On Sunday last, The Neale got the better of Kilmaine in the south Mayo shootout in the first of the intermediate quarter-finals. The Neale ran out narrow 1-7 to 0-9 winners over their local rivals in Ballinrobe thanks to late Robert Holian goal which levelled the game up before Séan Cosgrove pointed at the death to put the 2012 junior champions into the last four.
Saturday evening sees the final three quarter finals down for decision with a double header in Elverys MacHale Park, where Kiltimagh and Ballyhaunis will get things underway at 5pm, followed by the meeting of Hollymount-Carramore and Swinford at 6.30pm. The final quarter-final will take place in James Stephens Park at 6.30pm where Mayo Gaels will take on Belmullet. That game will be preceded by the junior championship semi-final replay between Castlebar Mitchels and Lahardane, after both sides played out 1-8 to 1-8 draw last Sunday in Elverys MacHale Park.
This weekend’s action in the intermediate championship gets underway when the two east Mayo rivals from Kiltimagh and Ballyhaunis square off. Kiltimagh topped their group in style to book their place in the final eight, while Ballyhaunis secured second place on the final day thanks to a win over Burrishoole, there does not look like there will be much between the sides with Kiltimagh looking to the likes of Ronan Malee and Brian Gallagher, while Ballyhaunis will be hoping Niall Prenty and Keith Higgins can do the stuff for their side.
Following them into action is the meeting of Swinford and Hollymount-Carramore. The south Mayo men’s manager Noel Connolly has been thrown around in the discussion as a future Mayo manager this week and win on Saturday will do his chances no harm. He will be hoping county panellist Darren Coen can lead the way along with the likes of Dermot Costello and Padraig Ferrick. While for Swinford, they will be looking to Jack McDonnell and Jason Carney to do the business. Hollymount-Carramore topped their group, while Swinford were runners up to Kilmaine.
Up in the north Mayo capital, it is a meeting of south and north when Mayo Gaels make the journey north to face Belmullet. Mayo Gaels have been plugging away at this grade for the past few years and, with Mayo panellist Adam Gallagher leading the line for them, they will not fear the north Mayo men. For Belmullet, having a fully fit Chris Barrett back in harness is a massive addition to their chances in what should be an epic encounter.
Senior championship dates and times set
It is back to basics with a full round of action in the senior leagues this weekend. The dates and times for the senior championship quarter-finals and relegation play-offs were announced this week.
The action in the senior quarter-finals will get underway next Saturday September 13 with a double header starting at 5pm. The first game will be the meeting of last year’s champions Castlebar Mitchels and Aghamore at 5pm, that will be followed by the clash of Ballaghaderreen and Ballintubber at 6.30pm.
On Sunday it is another double header with Breaffy and Knockmore kicking things off at 2pm in the county grounds and Garrymore and Charlestown following that up at 3.30pm. The relegation play-offs will both take place at 12pm on the Sunday, with Ballina and Kiltane meeting in Crossmolina and Crossmolina Deel Rovers and Westport clashing in Foxford.
