Forward power is key weapon of Ford’s Ballinrobe

Mayo IFC Quarter-Final 

Saturday, September 30 

4.30pm in Mayo Abbey 

Ballinrobe v Islandeady 

Ref: Frank Flynn (Aghamore) 

Last year’s junior champions Islandeady will look to claim another scalp when they face in-form Ballinrobe on Saturday.

The bounce that carried Kilmaine and Kilmeena the previous two years is having the same effect on Shane Hopkins’ side. Mayo U20 goalkeeper Bryan O’Flaherty is among the top goalkeepers in the county right now while Peter Gordon, Darragh O’Malley and Liam Coyne have become core members of a tough defence.

The evergreen Peter Collins has formed a solid midfield partnership with the dogged Levi Barrett while upfront, Liam Joyce, Darragh Joyce and Seamie Lally are enjoying a fine championship to date.

After a late defeat to Parke, few outside the club will have given them much chance against Davitts but Islandeady were outstanding in dumping out a side that was playing senior last year.

That said, another step up will be required if they are to stop the free-scoring Ballinrobe, who have fired in 8-43 across their three group games.

Six of those goals arrived in the rout against Burrishoole and while Peter Ford’s side received a stern examination from Kiltane, the Robesiders dug deep to find a way to victory before an impressive win in their final group game against South Mayo rivals Hollymount-Carramore.

Former Mayo minor captain Diarmuid Duffy has been a livewire at wing-back while up top, Darren McDonnell and Kevin Quinn are in the top ten scorers of the intermediate championship so far.

Islandeady are very much going in underdogs and will fancy another upset but Ballinrobe’s firepower may be too much for them to handle.

Verdict: Ballinrobe