East Mayo derby duel for spot in the semi-finals

Mayo JFC 'A' Quarter-Final

Saturday, September 30 

4.30pm 

Eastern Gaels v Swinford 

Ref: Declan Corcoran

Eastern Gaels got there in the end as their mightily impressive performance against Killala saw them through, just needing to avoid a heavy defeat but beating their opponents 2-7 to 0-11.

A draw with Kilmovee was how they started Group 3 and now they face Swinford who, apart from their game against Lahardane, had a strong campaign of their own in Group 4. With a forward line containing the likes of Liam Moran and the impressive young Jack Ferguson in the backs, Swinford have a strong side.

Their group opened with a 1-8 to 0-5 win against Ballycroy before a dominant 23-point win over Moygownagh guaranteed them knockout round progression before a ball was kicked against Lahardane. Even though the 0-12 to 0-6 defeat would have been disheartening, it did little to threaten Swinford’s championship campaign.

Evan Godfrey will need to be on top form for the Gaels if they want to keep in this game against the North Mayo side. Swinford look set to progress past this stage but questions will remain about their chances of victory in the competition, as they lost their first true test to Lahardane and perhaps Eastern Gaels could surprise them and claim their spot in the semis for themselves.

However, Swinford have all the tools they need to win this game and the stronger form from the group stages so they will be the third of our predicted final four.

VERDICT: SWINFORD