Knockmore look for good start away to Ballagh' as they aim for senior summit
Knockmore’s Aidan Orme in action against Aghamore’s Conor Morley during the Mayo SFC Rd 3 tie at Fr. O’Hara Park, Charlestown, last Saturday. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Ballaghaderreen were beaten in 2019 county final against Ballintubber and it feels like a long way back to the summit for them once more. They have only made it out of the group stage once since then and that was back in 2020.
Last year, they started strong with a victory at home to Claremorris but were eliminated after defeat to Westport and rivals Charlestown. In those three games, they managed to score just 1-27 and the absence of the retired Andy Moran is still being felt by Ballaghaderreen.
They will be looking for more from the likes of Kuba Callaghan and Cian Hanley, who are two standout forwards on their day. Sharoze Akram is also a quality Senior-level player and David Drake offers some vital experience. Ballagh’ will fancy their chances of getting out of this group but might have to look at games down the line to get the points required to reach the last eight for the first time in four years.
Knockmore will have ambitions of winning an 11th Moclair Cup having gone back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, they crashed out to Castlebar Mitchels in the quarter-finals and the following year to eventual winners Ballina Stephenites in the semi-finals.
They recently ended their Division 1A campaign strongly with a win over Ballina securing a second place finish and that should give them a boost coming into the Championship.
Kevin McLoughlin continues to prove himself as one of the best players in the county and his retirement from inter-county football has truly been Mayo’s loss and Knockmore’s gain. Darren McHale, Aidan Orme and Peter Naughton can be relied upon to provide the points and at the other end of the pitch, Knockmore remain defensively resolute.
Goalkeeper Colm Reape can have confidence in the men in front of him, the likes of Kieran King and David McHale.
Knockmore can expect to claim victory in the opening game of the championship while Ballagh’ are more likely to take something off Claremorris and Belmullet later on in the campaign.
Verdict: Knockmore
