Mayo Super League final table beginning to take shape

As the clock ticked down in Belleek Park last Sunday afternoon, it appeared that the Super League title race was all but over.

Ballyheane made the trip up to Ballina and it appeared that the ribbons could be tied on the Tom Kelly Cup and it was only a matter of when, not if, the trophy presentation would be made.

But the latest of shows from Ballina mean a tiny bit of doubt remains about who will be Super League champions for 2022.

You must give full credit to Ballina over the last couple of months. They had a poor start to the season and were leaking silly goals. But they look a rejuvenated side and coupled with their Westaro Cup success over Westport United a couple of weeks ago, they still are within a shout.

Speaking of United, they have come up on everyone’s blindside, quietly going about their business. After three consecutive league defeats earlier in the season, they now are five points behind league leaders Ballyheane. Should their win their next two games against Claremorris and Kiltimagh/Knock United, they could set up final day drama if they beat Ballyheane on their own turf.

Yet it’s still hard to anyone winning the league bar the defending champions. They are so difficult to beat and should they win their next two games, they will clinch the league title if they beat Westport.

It’s at the other end of the table where things have taken a dramatic turn. I was in Celtic Park last Saturday evening and while Castlebar Celtic were missing a number of regulars, Glenhest Rovers were full value for their win over the Hoops.

Over the last couple of seasons, the ‘Hest have proven to be one of the toughest teams to play against in the Super League and one more win this season should see them safe. If they can add some more goals to their side, you feel they can set their ambitions even higher.

The other Saturday evening game saw Straide & Foxford United blow Claremorris away and all but secure their place in the Super League for next season. The east Mayo outfit have done an excellent rebuild following relegation from the Super League a couple of years ago and Claremorris have it all to do if they are to avoid going down.

But the game of the weekend – and perhaps the season – took place the next morning in the east Mayo derby between Ballyhaunis Town and Kiltimagh/Knock. Anyone who was in Station Rise saw a real classic. The game had it all and Kiltimagh/Knock showed tremendous resilience in coming back from three goals down and a man down to beat a Ballyhaunis side who look destined to be playing in the Premier Division next season.

*You can read Stuart's full column every Tuesday in our print edition.