Mayo divisional cup finals take centre stage in Milebush
The first two Mayo league divisional cup finals take place in Umbro Park this evening. Picture: Sportsfile
The divisional finals in the Mayo Football League get underway this weekend, with an eagerly anticipated double-header set for Umbro Park this (Saturday) evening.
The McDonnell Cup final appears that it may go in one direction, but recent form has suggested that Achill Rovers are not infallible.
Overwhelming favourites before the season began, Achill claimed the League Two title a week previously after defeating Westport United ‘C’ 5-1, their twelfth league wins from twelve games. The islanders, who are also in contention for a treble after advancing to the Mayo Premier Cup semi-finals, will not be going unbeaten however as Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ inflicted a first defeat on Rovers this season last Saturday evening.
Not ideal preparation for a cup final by any means, but the firepower they have makes them favourites. Michael Moran’s is the league top scorer (14) while Chris Western and Brandon McGing can also pop up when needed.
Michael English, who as well as head coach also plays regularly for the side, is well regarded in the county. He was formerly the head of academy at Mayo FC and while his talents are missed there, his home club are certainly feeling the benefits of his meticulous approach, transforming them into a good side.
They will have a stiff test against Glenhest, who have entered a ‘B’ team into the Mayo League for the first time in their history. After enduring a difficult start in failing to win one of the first seven league games, the McDonnell Cup breathed new life into their season. Wins over Westport United ‘C’ and Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ for Chris Rowland’s men put them into the decider, and they have won five out of their last six league games to give themselves an outside chance of promotion.
Ethan Reilly is team’s top scorer (13) and assist maker (5) and has made appearances for the club’s ‘A’ team in the Super League, while they boast vast experience in long-serving players including Declan McManamon and Tony Leneghan.
In their two league meetings, Achill won their first in Beltra comfortably, but matters were more challenging in the reverse fixture at The Valley, with Michael Moran’s first half goal the difference. The cup final is expected to be another close call.
Another close final is expected in the Tuohy Cup final expected as Castlebar Celtic ‘B’ look to make it back-to-back wins when they face Claremorris in this year’s decider.
Celtic ‘B’ overcame rivals Westport United ‘B’ in last year’s final in what was an impressive season for the Hoops overall. They finished second in the league to a rampant Glenhest Rovers, denying the ‘Hest a perfect league campaign when they drew with them on the final day while they also reached the Premier Cup final, where they lost to Ballina Town ‘B’ on penalties.
Under new management this season of former midfield star Fintan McHale, Celtic endured a rocky start to the Premier Division. However, they did also reach the Connacht Shield final, where they fell to Corofin United, while wins over Ballyglass and Crossmolina – the latter in a penalty shootout - has seen them back in the Tuohy Cup Final once again.
Like their Super League side, Celtic ‘B’ have tremendous strength in depth. They can call on veteran duo Gerry Hunt and Diarmuid Ahearne as well as young guns Rhys Saville, Jake Daly and Ben McHale.
But in Claremorris, they face a side determined to not just claim silverware but return to the Super League once again.
Relegated last year after a poor league campaign, Claremorris suffered a setback in their promotion hopes after defeat to Ballyglass last month. They remain in contention for the other promotion place but will likely have to face who is second from bottom in the Super League in a playoff due to Westport United ‘B’ leading the Premier Division but are unable to be promoted.
Claremorris, however, can boast one statistic that no other Premier Division team can: they have beaten Westport United ‘B’.
After beating Straide & Foxford United in Round 1, a Mark Maloney hat trick inspired them to a 4-2 win in the semi-final. Maloney was also on the scoresheet, along with Brandon Walsh, Simon Butler and Jason Murphy when the two sides met in the league last month.
Simon Collins has remained on as head coach and much of last year’s side has stayed on. Along with Maloney, Walsh, Butler and Murphy, they have also retained Oisin Brady Ryan McLoughlin and David McCracken.
Celtic ‘B’ are unbeaten against Claremorris this season in their league meetings. They had a 4-1 win in Celtic Park while Dylan Howley ensured the Hoops left Concannon Park with a share of the spoils. Their frequency in cup finals will be a significant advantage but Claremorris are a match for anyone on their day.
