Local Notes: Kiltimagh's James is ready for Mayo FC adventure
James McGrath during his time playing for Westport United. Picture: Michael McLaughlin
Kiltimagh’s James McGrath is preparing to embark on a new chapter in his football career when Mayo FC begin their inaugural FAI National League campaign later this month. The midfielder has joined the new Mayo senior side following three seasons with Ballinamallard United in the Northern Ireland Championship, returning to Mayo after what he describes as an important period in his development.
For James, the move also represents a return to his local football roots. He previously played with Kiltimagh Knock United, having also spent time with Westport United and in the underage ranks at Sligo Rovers.
“I had a great three years up in Ballinamallard, but I felt it was time to base myself back in Mayo and spend a bit more time with my family,” James told the . “I got in touch with manager, Anthony O'Neill, and we had a really good conversation. It sounded like a really exciting project. It felt like the right time for a change and I'm really looking forward to what's ahead.”
His three years in Northern Ireland have given the Kiltimagh man valuable experience at a higher level, something he hopes to bring to Mayo FC as they prepare for their first competitive campaign.
“It was definitely a step up from where I was playing before,” he said. “The pace of the game was higher and it's definitely a man's game. I developed a lot, particularly in terms of endurance, resilience and the defensive side of my game.”
James had previously enjoyed a particularly successful spell with Kiltimagh Knock United after returning to the club following their promotion to the Mayo Super League. Playing alongside many players he had known while growing up, he helped the club reach two cup finals.
“It was a bit of a no-brainer,” he said of joining Kiltimagh Knock United. “We had a really good group of players and excellent coaches in James Costello and Paul Byrne. It was brilliant to play alongside lads I'd grown up with and players I'd looked up to when I was younger. We reached two cup finals and had a great couple of years before I got the opportunity to go to Ballinamallard.”
That move proved to be another important step in his career. James said the competitiveness of the Northern Ireland Championship helped him develop both physically and mentally.
“Every week was a tough game,” he said. “There weren't many one-sided matches. It was a really well-run league and Ballinamallard were brilliant to me.”
He now brings that experience back to Mayo FC, where he will again link up with a number of players he knows well. Former Ballinamallard teammates Seán McAteer and Gary Armstrong have also joined the Mayo club, while his former Kiltimagh Knock coach Paul Byrne is part of the Mayo FC coaching staff.
“I played with Seán and Gary for the last two years and we car-shared together as well,” James said. “They were definitely a big part of my decision. It helps when you're coming into a new squad and you already know a few lads.”
The opportunity to represent Mayo at senior national level is one James clearly sees as an exciting next step. The club's inaugural campaign will provide the foundation for what the new Mayo FC hopes will become a progression through the League of Ireland structure.
“The ambition has to be to build from this third-tier competition and hopefully work towards the League of Ireland First Division,” he said.
For the Kiltimagh player, however, the immediate priority is establishing himself in the new squad and contributing on the pitch.
“The first mini-season is about getting games under our belts, getting everyone familiar with each other and building something,” he said. “From what I've seen so far, everyone is on board and there's a great ambition around the place.”
James also hopes the form that served him well with Ballinamallard will continue into the Mayo FC campaign.
“I had a good year with Ballinamallard,” he said. “If I can bring that form into this squad, chip in with a few goals and assists and become an important part of the team, then that's the best I can do.”
With Mayo FC about to take their first steps into the National League, there will be considerable local interest in the new side. For football followers in Kiltimagh, there will be an added reason to follow the club's progress, with one of their own now preparing to play a part in Mayo's first senior League of Ireland adventure.
Kiltimagh will travel to Kilmaine on Saturday next, August 22nd for their second game in the Egan Jewellers Intermediate Club Championship, with throw-in at 6.30pm.
Kiltimagh opened their campaign at home against Islandeady, eventually going down by 2-15 to 1-12. Islandeady established a nine-point lead after two goals, leaving Kiltimagh with a difficult task. However, the home side responded strongly and reduced the deficit to three points, giving themselves a chance of completing the recovery.
A goal from Conor Mallee just before half-time provided Kiltimagh with an important boost, and they continued to press after the restart. However, Islandeady steadied themselves and regained control, with Kiltimagh also being punished by a number of missed opportunities. Despite a determined effort, Kiltimagh could not close the gap and Islandeady secured the points.
Kiltimagh Knock United has launched a recruitment drive for its new Under-21 team ahead of the upcoming season.
The squad is open to players born between 2006 and 2010, with the club encouraging young footballers to continue their development while representing their local club. The new team will provide an important stepping stone from underage to adult football.
Anyone interested in joining is asked to complete the club's expression of interest form. Further details are available through Kiltimagh Knock United's official social media channels.
Kiltimagh Pickleball Club is inviting new members and beginners to come along and try one of Ireland's fastest-growing sports.
The club meets in Aughamore Centre on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12 noon and Mondays from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Pickleball is suitable for all ages and abilities and offers a fun way to keep active while meeting new people. For further information, text or call 089-4841267.
At the latest 25 Card Drive, joint first place went to Sharon and Virginia Hieran and Mary and Jimmy Doyle. Third place was also closely contested, with Geraldine Turbitt and Anne Rowley, Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, and Michael Carney and Michael Costello all sharing the honours.
The Last 10 prize went to Francis McNicholas and Martin Regan, while Seamus Nevin and Danny Doherty claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners were Sharon Hieran, Ann Connor, Danny Doherty and Jimmy Doyle.
Seán Dwyer was the lucky winner of last week’s Kiltimagh GAA 50/50 draw, collecting a prize of €867.
The club congratulated Seán on his success and thanked everyone who continues to support the fundraiser. The weekly draw provides valuable funding for the club’s activities and development throughout the year.
Aisling Condron from Barnacarroll was celebrating after her ticket came out on top in the latest Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. Aisling collected €326 in the weekly fundraiser.
The club congratulated Aisling on her win and thanked the many supporters who continue to take part each week. The draw provides valuable support for KKU teams and club activities throughout the season.
Keith Lydon secured his first victory of the Summer Poker League by taking down Round 10 at Teach O’Hora, following a heads-up deal with Derry O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan finished runner-up, while John Borza recorded his sixth cash of the season in third place. Dylan Coleman took fourth, with the remaining final table positions going to Pat Boyle (5th), Enda Ruane (6th), John Reynolds (7th), Andy Quinn (8th) and Denise Foley (9th).
Pat Boyle continues to lead the league standings on 192 points, with John Borza also clear of the chasing pack on 182. Michael Higgins is third on 161 points. The remainder of the top twelve is John Reynolds (158), Paul Walsh (147), Alan Sheridan (142), Michael Sheridan (139), Gerry Groarke (139), Enda Ruane (136), Majella Gilmartin (133), Derry O’Sullivan (130) and Keith Lydon (128).
The Summer League runs over fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry fee each round that includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from every entry and rebuy or add-on contributes to the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players in the standings, together with two qualifiers, will contest the Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
With capacity being reached each week, no new players will be admitted to the league.
