Formbook hints at reasons for Eastern promise
Liam Smyth and his Kiltimagh atttacking colleagues have scored seven more points more than Eastern Gaels in their five games but the defensive statistics are more favourable to Gaels
The goal for both is the same, although the reasons are very different. Kiltimagh are hoping to return to the intermediate grade at the first time of asking after being relegated last year while Eastern Gaels, already in new territory with a first junior ‘A’ final appearance, look to play intermediate football for the first time in their 41-year history.
The form book appears to suggest that the Gaels are ready to make the next step. They defeated Kiltimagh in the final round of the Mayo SFL in Division 2A this season, 1-15 to 1-12, and thumped them 5-11 to 0-10 in the East Mayo JFC, and their form in the championship does trump a Kiltimagh team that can blow red hot or ice cold.
A draw away to Achill was a disappointing opener for Eastern Gaels, they bounced back well to defeat Swinford to secure a quarter-final spot, although a narrow loss to Shrule-Glencorrib in the final group game meant they finished as runners-up in Group 3.
The manner of their performances in the quarter-final and semi-final have been particularly impressive. They came through a physical battle with Ballycroy before defying the odds to beat last year’s finalists Bonniconlon to make history and reach the junior ‘A’ final for the very first time in the club’s history.
Gaels’ path to the final has been smoother than Kiltimagh’s. It appeared it would be more straightforward after they racked up a big score in their win against Kilmovee Shamrocks but former clubman Ronan Mallee haunted them when playing a crucial role in Tourmakeady’s victory over them in Round 2.
Mick Regan’s side were then also beaten in their final group game against Northern Gaels to leave themselves, Northern Gaels and Kilmovee on two points each, but Kiltimagh advanced on points difference – as Kilmovee conceded late on to condemn them to junior ‘B’ instead of Kiltimagh.
That flirtation with elimination however, has appeared to free the Blue and White from their shackles. It looked like Shrule-Glencorrib were going to reel them in after levelling matters in stoppage-time, but Fionnan Burke came to the rescue with a free to win it. Then in the semi-final, they struck late again as Burke and Jack Niland held off Ardagh to seal their place in the decider.
As mentioned, Eastern Gaels may be coming into this final some slight favourites given they have only lost one game in the championship so far compared to Kiltimagh’s two losses in the group stage, but the scoring statistics are quite similar. Kiltimagh have scored seven points more than Gaels (7-68 to 7-61) but it’s at the back where the Gaels could find joy. Kiltimagh have conceded 6-65 compared to 2-64 from Eastern Gaels, so it’ll be area where Jack Madden, Evan Godfrey, Nathan Hession and Mayo U20 forward Senan Guilfoyle can hope to inflict further damage.
That, coupled with Kiltimagh’s stark record in finals since their 2009 junior ‘A’ win – losing four intermediate finals, including a replay – suggests history could be made by the Blue and Amber this Sunday.
Round 1: Kiltimagh 3-20 Kilmovee Shamrocks 2-13, Eastern Gaels 2-11 Achill 1-14.
Round 2: Tourmakeady 1-13 Kiltimagh 0-11, Eastern Gaels 2-14 Swinford 0-18.
Round 3: Northern Gaels 0-16 Kiltimagh 2-8, Shrule Glencorrib 1-10 Eastern Gaels 0-11.
Quarter-Final: Kiltimagh 1-11 Shrule Glencorrib 1-10, Eastern Gaels 1-15 Ballycroy 0-11.
Semi-Final: Kiltimagh 1-18 Ardagh 2-13, Eastern Gaels 1-11 Bonniconlon 0-11.
