They surprised many - but not themselves - in winning the Mayo junior title and on Sunday John Maughan's men will go looking to book a spot in the provincial final when they take on St Gabriel's from Galway at 1pm.
Winning their first county junior title was the most important thing for the Lahardane men, but with that pressure off them there is a great opportunity for them to have a real crack at the Connacht championship without pressure on their shoulders. Historically Mayo sides have done well in this competition, and last year Louisburgh claimed the Connacht crown and Lahardane will be hoping to do something similar this year.
Lahardane they will be looking to Adrian Leonard who kicked eight points in the county final win, James Maughan who chipped in with 1-1 to lead them in attack again, at the back the experienced Barry Leonard along with Conor Coleman and Christ Rowland will be looked to to keep things tight - while in the middle of the field Tony Dever and Gary Naughton will be expected to provide a solid platform for attack as well as keeping things tidy in front of their defence.
Gabriels won their first county junior title in 35 years with their win over Clonbur having lost the previous two finals, that win was spreaheaded by the attacking duo of Christopher Donnellan and Jonathan Cunningham, while James Egan, Luke O'Connor, and Sean Whyte all put in good showings in the west Galway side.
Whatever happens on Sunday it has been a year to remember for Lahardane, but they will not want that year to end too soon and a place in a provincial final will drive them on from the get-go.
