The Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence is going to be a hive of activity this weekend with the semi-finals in both the Mayo GAA u21A for the first time and u21C for a second time down for decision. In the premier grade of the competition, Aghamore and Kiltimagh will meet in the first semi-final on Saturday at 5pm, with the second semi-final between Moy Davitts and Claremorris taking place on Sunday at noon.
The all east Mayo meeting between Aghamore and Kiltimagh will get things going in the A competition on Saturday evening. Aghamore booked their place in the final four almost a month ago when they had five points to spare over Ballina Stephenites in the last eight. Ross Egan was the main man for Aghamore that day scoring 1-3 for Jimmy Lyons' side. Fergal Boland and James Lyons both also chipped in with three points each over the hour, and if Aghamore can get a similar return from their forward unit this weekend it will put them in a great position.
Kiltimagh saw off another east Mayo side in their quarter final, beating Ballaghaderreen on a score of 3-8 to 2-5 with Dylan Roche putting in a starring role with the corner forward scoring 1-4 in their win. Former Mayo minor TJ Byrne chipped in with 1-2, with his goal his sides second of the day the one one that sealed their victory breaking the back of the Ballagh boys' challenge. It should be a feisty encounter on Saturday evening where a coveted place in the final along with local bragging rights are at stake.
The other semi-final sees a Claremorris side who shook off the challenge of a sticky Castlebar Mitchels outfit in their quarter-final a fortnight ago take on a dangerous Moy Davitts side. Claremorris had five points to spare over the Mitchels in Bekan with Colin Gill the main man for them on the day. The Claremorris minor star put in a starring role in the middle of the park in the second half and chipped in with a point from play. Séan Diskin scored four points with Stephen Brennan getting the goal.
Moy Davitts had two points to spare over Knockmore in their quarter final, which they won 1-14 to 2-9 with Conor Byrne their ace attacker. Byrne scored six points in that game which they played for the most part with 14 men after Alan Bourke was shown a red card in the early stages. The Moy Davitts men's goal came from full forward Brian Heneghan who dispatched the three pointer from the penalty spot after he had been fouled. Both of these sides are capable of putting on impressive displays and this should be a cracking encounter.
Back for more at the C grade
Despite both of the semi-finals in the u21C championship having been already played, all four teams will have to do it again this weekend. Kilmaine and Kilmeena had met a few weeks ago in Bekan with Kilmeena winning on a score of 2-10 to 2-9 according to the referee on the day, however according to most of those in attendence at the game it had indeed finished level, and following an objection from Kilmaine the Mayo GAA CCC ordered a replay of the game which will now take place on Saturday at 3.30pm. The other semi-final between local rivals Ardnaree and Bonniconlon saw the Ardanree men win 3-12 to 0-9, but it transpired that Ardnaree had played an ineligible player and the CCC ordered a replay which will take place on Sunday at 1.30pm.
