Massive opportunity for pair of relative outsiders
Belmullet's Oisin O'Donnell under pressure from James McCormack of Claremorris during a past encounter between the sides.
One has never won the Mayo Senior Football Championship, the other’s last title win came 55 years ago. But Claremorris, in that latter category, have quietly built one of the most impressive championship campaigns of any side left in this year’s competition, however, they now face a Belmullet outfit whose attacking potential gives them a fighter’s chance against any opponent.
Three wins from three have earned Claremorris home advantage for next Sunday and perhaps more importantly, they have demonstrated far greater substance than many observers may have credited them with before the championship began. Remember, their unblemished record has been accomplished in the absence of Darragh Beirne, the teenager who announced himself to the country this year with his sparkling attacking displays in Mayo’s All-Ireland breakthrough.
Claremorris opened their campaign with a gritty seven-point victory away to Kilmeena, winning without Beirne and several other key figures but showing a work ethic that has underpinned everything they have done since.
They followed that with one of the games of the championship, edging out Westport in a remarkable shootout before backing it up by doing what they have previously struggled to do – win a game they were expected to win. Charlestown Sarsfields were a different challenge but Claremorris again found the solutions.
The common denominator throughout has been Niall Hurley. He has been in outstanding form, producing scores almost at will and carrying a significant share of the attacking burden. Across the group stages he repeatedly delivered when required, whether through goals against Kilmeena and Westport or his nine-point haul against Charlestown. Alongside him, his brother Dara, Cathal Joyce and the industrious Mark Maloney have all made important contributions, while the likes of David O'Reilly, former Mayo defender James McCormack and Paul Gilmore have played vital roles away from the spotlight.
Perhaps most encouragingly for Claremorris was the manner in which they closed out their win over Charlestown. Reduced to 14 men and under sustained pressure, they dug deep defensively, with McCormack's late block emblematic of a team showing resilience as well as attacking flair.
Belmullet, meanwhile, arrive in South Mayo having navigated a difficult group that included Knockmore and Breaffy. Their opening-round win away to Knockmore immediately announced their intentions before a narrow defeat to Breaffy left qualification hanging in the balance.
They responded emphatically against Ballaghaderreen.
A tally of 4-17 highlighted exactly why so many teams fear the Erris men. Ryan O'Donoghue remains the central figure and appears to be hitting top form at exactly the right time. His return of 2-8 in that victory underlined his ability to decide games almost single-handedly, but Belmullet's threat extends beyond their marquee forward.
Fionn O'Donoghue has enjoyed an influential campaign, Anthony Barrett has chipped in with crucial scores and assists, while Eamon McAndrew's impact from both the bench and starting line-up has been significant. When Belmullet move the ball quickly and allow their runners to attack space, they can be devastating. They’ve also one of the most exciting midfield prospects around in Seamus Howard whose likely to feature more prominently in Andy Moran’s second year as Mayo manager.
The challenge for Claremorris will be limiting quality supply into Ryan O'Donoghue while simultaneously maintaining the attacking tempo that has served them so well throughout the group stage. Belmullet, on the other hand, will likely view Claremorris' defence as an area they can test after conceding six goals against Westport despite winning.
In fact, Belmullet have already won in Claremorris this season, in the opening round of Mayo SFL Division 1, so aren’t going to travel the width of the county next Sunday expecting only to make up the numbers. The Erris outfit will see this as a real opportunity to take one step closer a return to the county final they last graced in 2021, while in the case of Claremorris it’s 48 years since the club last reached the senior decider.
Kevin Beirne’s team possesses momentum, home advantage and the confidence that comes from a perfect group-stage record. Belmullet counter with recent championship pedigree and one of the county's most potent attacking units.
Expect a high-quality contest, plenty of scores and a game that may well be decided by which side can best contain the opposition's marquee forwards. On current form, that battle between the Claremorris defence and Ryan O'Donoghue could ultimately determine who keeps their championship dream alive.
