Charlestown’s character makes them awkward proposition for Knockmore

Mayo SFC Quarter-Final 

Saturday, September 30 

5pm in Canon Gibbons Memorial Park, Claremorris 

KNOCKMORE v CHARLESTOWN 

Ref: Garryowen McMahon (Davitts) 

A close affair is expected for the Saturday evening throw-in where Knockmore take on Charlestown Sarsfields.

To say the East Mayo men have had the bad luck of the draw in recent years would be putting it lightly. Charlestown were without a quarter-final appearance since 2014 before this year and found themselves in Groups of Death along the way.

Faced with another tough group this year, which incorporated Westport, Ballaghaderreen and Claremorris, the writing, drawing and everything else with it appeared on the wall after a 23-point demolition at the hands of the county champions in the opening round.

But their response to that Westport loss is a testament to the character within the side. They needed a win on home turf against Claremorris and produced an excellent display in doing so and when it looked like nothing was separating them and fierce rivals Ballaghaderreen, late points by Paul Towey and Ben Conway ended a nine-wait for Charlestown to reach the knockouts.

Along with Conway, Fergal Quinn and Conor O’Donohue have been mightily impressive at the back. Matthew Lenehan, Paddy Goldrick and Gareth O’Donnell are key cogs in the middle of the field while the firepower of Patrick Lenehan, Jack Mahon and county star Paul Towey will give Knockmore all they can handle.

Whether Knockmore can make it three senior titles in four years is still up for debate, but they appear to be building nicely ahead of the quarter-finals.

Little was learned from their draw against fellow contenders Castlebar Mitchels and while there was a big win over Ballyhaunis, it must be said that last year’s intermediate champions were heavily depleted. However, a strong second-half against a well-organised Aghamore unit gave a glimpse as to what the Saffron and Blue are capable of.

From top to bottom, they are strong. Goalkeeper Colm Reape has come in off the back off a strong debut year at inter-county level while David McHale, Kieran King and Adam Battle help to form a strong defensive six.

Shane McHale and recently retired Mayo star Kevin McLoughlin offer plenty of drive and intensity in the middle and up front, and Darren McHale, Peter Naughton and Aidan Orme can deliver in big moments alongside rising young star Caolan Hopkins.

Charlestown will relish this chance at a knockout game but Knockmore appear ready for a big push and should prevail, although it could go the distance.

Verdict: Knockmore