Groups remain wide open in race for junior honours
Ardagh can secure top spot in Group with victory oevr Achill. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Saturday, September 5
Achill v Ardagh
6pm in Achill
REF: Kevin Corcoran
Another trip out west for Ardagh but they will hope this one is more comfortable than their visit to Ballycroy.
Looking in control, Ballycroy almost reeled them in, but Tony Carey’s first-half haul proved the difference. The former Mayo minor, along with All-Ireland winner James Carr, got 1-3 each in their win over Killala a fortnight ago and along with Lee Traynor and midfielder Brendan Carr, it can be argued no team have the attacking threat like Ardagh and a win here likely punches their ticket to the quarter-finals and puts them in a strong position to top the group.
This is Achill’s final game in the group stage (they have a bye in the final round). A victory here can put them on five points, and it may be enough to send them into the last eight. If not, they will rue the dropped point away to Ballycroy.
Achill will likely want a favour from Killala in their game against Northern Gaels either way, but they have to focus on their own job first. Peter Gallagher and Sean Dever were outstanding in their win over Northern Gaels and if they are both on point again, Ardagh could have another bumpy game on the road. Whether that is enough for the islanders remains to be seen.
Saturday, September 5
Northern Gaels v Killala
6pm in Kilfian
REF: Sean Tolan
Both sides have two points after two games played and with Killala and Northern Gaels in contention for a quarter-final place, this could be a right humdinger.
Although they were beaten by Ardagh two weeks ago, Killala will go into this game as slight favourites. The Blue and White impressed for long periods but were heavily reliant on Matthew Keane for scores and will need more from those around him if they want to return to winning ways.
Northern Gaels got their championship off to a flyer against Ballycroy but will have been disappointed by their defeat against Achill, with a number of goal chances left behind them on the day.
Should they rectify that, a win over their local rivals in Kilfian will be a huge boost ahead of what will be a tough final game away to Ardagh, as well as leaving Achill facing a nervous wait on the final day.
It will be a close contest. Too close to call.
Sunday, September 6
Moygownagh v Bonniconlon
2pm in Sean Duffy Park, Ardnaree
REF: Benny Holmes
There is only one likely outcome here.
While Bonniconlon’s heavy defeat to Burrishoole will have stung, it likely will not halt their progression to the quarter-final. That said, joint-managers Emmet O’Connor and Martin Rafter will certainly want a reaction from a side that scored only eight points in their defeat a fortnight ago to the West Mayo men.
Moygownagh have coped admirably on their return to the junior ‘A’ championship. Barry Gaughan has been excellent in the showings against Burrishoole and Shrule/Glencorrib, and Bonniconlon will need to be wary of his threat.
Still, the boys in blue should have more than enough to see them off in this North Mayo derby.
Sunday, September 6
Shrule/Glencorrib v Burrishoole
2pm in Balla
REF: John Walker
Burrishoole are justifying their favourites tag in impressive fashion and look the team to stop in this year’s junior ‘A’ championship.
Adam Rehill’s deployment at centre-forward is reaping dividends with his two-point accuracy. He tagged on 1-6 in their win over Bonniconlon while Fintan McManamon has also impressed in his first two outings.
Shrule/Glencorrib would need to win by twelve points to secure a place in the junior ‘A’ quarter-final, or a win of any kind and Bonniconlon lose. They did rack up a big score in their home win over Moygownagh, but this is a massive step up in opposition.
Given Bonni’ are unlikely to lose and Burrishoole’s scoring power proving too much for them, Shrule/Glencorrib will be heading into the junior ‘B’ championship, where they will be a contender.
Saturday, September 5
Tourmakeady v Kilmovee Shamrocks
6pm in Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Tourmakeady
REF: Declan Hughes
The hosts were expected to be among the contenders for the McDonnell Cup, but Kilmovee Shamrocks have been the surprise package so far.
The most eye-catching result of the opening round in junior was Kilmovee’s victory over Swinford. Last year’s junior ‘B’ runners-up have certainly kicked on and the impact of young trio Declan Duffy, Oran Frain and Liam Boyle – who were part of St Nathy’s College’s run to the All-Ireland PPS ‘B’ final – has given fresh impetus to the East Mayo men.
Tourmakeady were very impressive in their wins over Eastern Gaels and Swinford. With their final game against Ballycastle, Shane Moran’s men will likely secure top spot in Group 3 and a home quarter-final should they defeat Kilmovee in what could be the game of the weekend, Kilmovee will ask Tourmakeady some tough questions, but the West Mayo outfit should find the answers.
Saturday, September 5
Swinford v Ballycastle
6pm in Swinford
REF: Declan Leonard
Neither side will make it to the junior ‘A’ quarter-final but with both still without a win and a point, Swinford and Ballycastle will want to build some momentum ahead of the junior ‘B’ championship.
The defeats to Kilmovee and Tourmakeady will have been disappointing to Swinford, but the concession of six goals against Eastern Gaels will have hurt them to their core even more.
Ballycastle were always going to be the big outsiders of the group and that has proven to be the case. They never got going against Eastern Gaels and while they were also beaten by Kilmovee, the display was a much improved one.
That said, Swinford should have enough in the tank to see off the North Mayo men.
