Achill v Killala
Sunday, September 13 at 3.30pm
In MacHale Park
After last year's heartbreak of losing out to Castlebar Mitchels B in the county final and then Oileán Arran in the Connacht final Achill are back on a mission to claim the McDonnell Cup and bring it back over the Michael Davitt bridge this year. In their quarter-final win over Louisburgh they were always in control, but it wasn't until Jonathan Fadian blasted home a great goal to seal the win they knew they were heading back to the final four this time around. Paul McNamara and team trainer John Maughan are back on board again this year and they have put in plenty of work to get Achill back near the promised land.
Killala were made sweat it out in their quarter-final against Crossmolina B in a highly entertaining game in Knockmore, it was only a late, late injury-time pointed placed ball from Andrew Farrell that booked their place in Sunday's semi-final. Killala had to dig deep in that game and they'll need to do so again this time around. It should be a tight encounter, but Achill's experience from last year could swing it their way.
Verdict: Achill
Ardagh v Ardnaree
Sunday, September 13 at 3.30pm
In James Stephens Park
This north Mayo tussle should be a lively affair, Ardanree have been the bridesmaids of the junior championship on a number of occasions in the past few years and this year they are gunning to claim the title. In their quarter-final win over Ballina Stephenites B they played like a team of possessed men and ran out comfortable winners over their near neighbours in torrential conditions in front of a very healthy crowd on the old pitch in Knockmore. Eoin McCormack was the star man that day, chipping in with seven points, and he'll be needed to shine again on Sunday.
Ardagh are back in the semi-final stage for the second year in a row and are a side who are making steady progress on limited resources; their win over Ballintubber B three weeks ago was very good showing and they won't fear their fellow north Mayo men. Michael Flanagan has put together a really good side, with this years Mayo minor James Carr one for the future, scoring half a dozen points that day. While Ardagh are progressing, the need in Ardnaree might be greater and that could be the deciding factor on the day.
Verdict: Ardnaree
