Mouthwatering local derby in store between Lahardane and Crossmolina
Lahardane MacHales celebrate after winningthe AIB Connacht Club JFC crown at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, last year. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Group 1 – Round 1
Lahardane v Crossmolina
At Bofeenaun
Saturday, August 17, 7pm
One of the glamour ties of the weekend sees last year’s county and Connacht junior champions Lahardane in a local derby against their neighbours Crossmolina in Bofeenaun.
The black and amber were one of the success stories of last season’s championship as they defeated Shrule/Glencorrib in the junior ‘A’ final before beating Sligo side Owenmore Gaels in the provincial decider in MacHale Park. They may have been well beaten by Listowel Emmets in the All-Ireland semi-final but nothing takes away from what was one of the great year in the club’s history.
Having guided them to success last year, Eddie Conroy remains in charge. In defence, Barry Leonard and Aaron Murphy were outstanding in their run last year. Kyran Jordan and Shane Finnerty are a physical pairing in the middle while James Maughan, Mark Noone, Darragh Walsh and Adrian Leonard are an impressive attacking unit.
However, Lahardane could not have got a more difficult group on their return to intermediate and in Crossmolina, they are facing a team who secured Division 1 football for 2025 and will go up as champions after beating Ardnaree in the final as well as looking to improve on last year’s disappointing group stage exit.
After winning their opening group game against Kilmaine, a narrow defeat to Bohola Moy Davitts and a surprise loss to Castlebar Mitchels ‘B’ saw them finish third in the group.
County stars Jordan Flynn and Conor Loftus lead the way, with the former an ever-present since Kevin McStay took over as Mayo senior manager. Up front, Fionnan Duffy, James Maheady and Niall Coggins make up a fearsome attacking line while Matthew Gordetsky, Mikie Loftus and Diarmuid Fox and Barry Murphy will look to curb the Lahardane attack.
The intensity and passion of this local derby could be a leveller, coupled with the bounce of Lahardane being back in the intermediate championship, but it is hard to see anything but a Crossmolina win in this one.
