Mayo club championship roundup: Knockmore and Ardnaree through, Belmullet face relegation play-off
James Shaughnessy of Claremorris powers goalwards despite the attention of Ballaghadreen defenders Seamus Cunniffe (2) and Domhnall Forrest. A late equaliser against Ballagh' was not enough for Claremorris as Knockmore's win over Belmullet sees them eliminated. Picture: John Corless
The quarter-finalists are now known across the senior, intermediate and junior championships after a pulsating day of action.
The battle for top spot between Westport and Ballina Stephenites delivered but no one could have predicted how it would end as David Tighe pounced on a poor Westport pass inside their own 13 metre line to strike into an empty net for a 2-10 to 0-14 win and secure a home quarter-final.
The other game was a battle to see who would avoid the relegation fight and it was Balla who shone the day as they defeated an out-of-sorts Mayo gales 3-12 to 0-11 to secure a place in senior for 2025. The win is a first group game victory for Balla in 12 attempts since arriving in senior in 2021 and it send their neighbours into a relegation scrap.
In the game of the day, Claremorris were left heartbroken as a 2-14 to 4-8 draw with Ballaghaderreen left the door open for Knockmore to advance and they defeated Belmullet 1-14 to 1-11 to reach the quarter-final. Ballagh' are the group winners while Belmullet face a relegation playoff.
A youthful Castlebar Mitchels 'B' side lit up Aghamore as goals from Mark Cuningham, Eoghan Hughes and Cian Walsh secured a 3-9 to 1-11 win over Kiltimagh, sending the east Mayo side to a relegation battle for the second year running.
The Neale comfortably advanced to the quarter-finals after a 1-15 to 0-7 win over Islandeady while things were much closer in Foxford as Burrishoole and Ardnaree finished at 1-11 apiece, with Ardnaree going through on point difference
Matters were cut and dry before today's action as Cill Chomáin, Swinford and Bonniconlon were confirmed as the top three teams. A second half goal by David Walker powered the 2021 runners-up to a 1-12 to 0-9 win over Bonni' while Swinford eased to a 1-17 to 0-4 win over Moygownagh.
Killala joined Eastern Gaels in the quarter-finals as Killala comfortably beat Ballycastle 1-14 to 0-6, while Gaels ended Achill's hopes with a 1-13 to 1-6 win in Kilmeena.
The draw for the quarter-finals and relegation playoffs takes place tomorrow evening at 8pm live on the Mayo GAA Facebook page.
