Filan’s fliers well capable of causing another upset

Mayo IFC Quarter-Final 

Sunday, October 1 

2pm in St Brendan’s Park, Kilmeena 

Louisburgh v Castlebar Mitchels 'B'

Ref: Eamon McAndrew (Belmullet) 

Perennial contenders Louisburgh will face a serious test on Sunday in the shape of quarter-final surprise package Castlebar Mitchels ‘B’. However, to have reached the last eight will be a surprise to anyone bar Kevin Filan’s unit themselves, who recovered from their opening day defeat to Bohola Moy Davitts to record deserved wins over Kilmaine and Crossmolina.

The talent pool in the county town is arguably the envy of all in Mayo when you consider the options in the ‘B’ side. Young stars like Peter Basquille, Mayo minor John McMonagle and Calum Kyne are working in sync with Ray O’Malley, Aidan Walsh, Richie Feeney and Mark Towey, men who have won county and provincial senior titles with the club.

Once more, they are likely going in as underdogs against the Black and Amber, who have navigated their group soundly with three wins from three.

While Kiltimagh offered little resistance, a win over Kilmeena demonstrated their credentials. The performance over Ardnaree was far from convincing but their ability to find another gear while not playing to their optimum bodes well.

Central to their success has been a dogged defence, which has seen them only concede 1-22. Wing-backs Jason O’Malley and Basil McLeod also have been just as effective going forward as they have been at the back, supplementing the red-hot Dylan Prendergast and Martin Ball.

Louisburgh will go in as favourites but Mitchels ‘B’ are more the capable of causing another upset.

Verdict: Castlebar Mitchels ‘B’