Can Gaels continue fairytale against Northern rivals?
The Northern Gaels junior football team pictured at a recent presentation. Picture: Angela Kelly.
Mayo JFC 'A' Quarter-Final
Saturday, September 30 4.30pm
Cill Chomáin v Northern Gaels
Ref: Sean Tolan
What a story Northern Gaels made for themselves. A resounding 4-12 to 0-6 victory over Tourmakeady, where the likes of Tommy Clarke and Cathal Boland starred, saw them overturn a 26-point difference and leapfrog Ballycastle to the A Championship knockout stages.
They did well to earn a draw against their adversaries Ballycastle in Round 1, Tommy Clarke and Niall McDonnell were again on form in that fixture but a late free from Fergal Forde stopped them from claiming the win but fell to the dominant Shrule/Glencorrib, losing 1-15 to 0-6.
Despite a dreadful first half against Ardagh, Cill Chomáin recovered to win 0-11 to 0-8 and more handily bet Achill away 1-14 to 0-10. Derek Moran is on great form when it comes to scores, and will be key for them as they look to beat a Northern Gaels team that has already defied the odds to the highest of standards this year.
If Northern Gaels get anywhere close to that performance against Tourmakeady, they have every chance of progression. However, the consistent performances of Cill Chomáin in their group sees them take the edge heading into this game that will be tightly contested. VERDICT: CILL CHOMÁIN
