MARTIN CARNEY: A reality check for the Mitchels as O'Shea makes full-forward start for Breaffy

Finally, after an excellent league programme where many new faces emerged, the championship at all levels has taken off.

On a weekend that was traditionally the preserve for the All-Ireland hurling final, and in the absence of a clear pre-championship favourite, every team took to the field anxious to milk the best from its participants, and, if at all possible, start the group stages off with a win; getting a good performance simply took one into bonus territory.

Winning the first game is of major importance. It eases the pressure on all concerned going into the second round, it can confirm in many cases the progress, or indeed for some the lack thereof, that one hoped was evident during the earlier competitions and give the team levels of sustainable confidence that will grow as the competition evolves.

Being involved as a selector with the Mitchels’ intermediate team prevented me from spectating at any of Saturday’s senior fixtures.

Were our game with Ballyhaunis typical of what went on elsewhere then all the other games were laced with moments of unpredictability and madness.

Ballyhaunis, at home and 1/7 unbackable favourites for the tie, found themselves nine points in arrears at the break against what was for the most part an inexperienced Mitchels team.

Yet, whether it was due to the wake-up half time rallying cry or complacency on the part of the visitors, they commendably found enough within to claim a late equaliser. It remains to be seen though if this dropped home point will impede their progress to the later qualifying rounds. Getting back to the senior championship, some of the big pre-competition talking points around the county town were to do with the possible placing of Aidan O’Shea at full-forward for Breaffy and the extent to which new blood could infuse Castlebar Mitchels with a push for the title.

Our southern friends had seen encouraging signs of a reawakening in Garrymore while to the north, evidence that the might of Ballina might be again emerging as the biggest threat to Knockmore had been gathering pace.

Many knowing eyes were trained on Westport; a team with talent to long for yet with a tendency to frustrate year after year.

By Saturday evening after the dust settled on the opening fixtures a little clearer light became evident.

Westport dismissed the challenge of The Neale with a ruthlessness that caught the eye.

Facile might be the word that comes to mind but it’s rare that any team records a 29-point win over their opponents in any competition, let alone senior championship.

In contrast, beating Davitts in a local derby was always going to require something special from Garrymore.

With renewed heart the Garry boys carried a little too much firepower and deserved their win.

Speaking briefly with Colm Boyle on Sunday he was naturally disappointed with the result but may have seen enough from the Mitchels v Charlestown tie to generate encouragement for their later rounds.

After their recent league success, knowing eyes focused on the new-look Mitchels team. Talk of regaining a county title had started to swell on the back of this achievement over Knockmore but sober analysis will take centre stage again after the struggle they experienced in getting the better of an unfancied Charlestown on Sunday.

It’s accurate to record that on the day there was little between the sides in general play.

In distilling events and coming up with possible reasons as to what created the one-point difference between the teams one could point to Rory Byrne’s magnificent second-half save from Matthew Lenehan at a time when a Charlestown goal would have given them the lead for the first time.

Ten minutes later, with a point separating the sides, corner-back Sean Morahan strode forward and, belying his tender years, stroked a majestic point between the sticks. For one so young it was a great show of character and maturity.

The impressive Paul Towey had an opportunity to level matters late in the game but for once his accuracy from a placed ball failed.

For the young set on the Mitchels team this was a sobering introduction to adult championship football; the levels of physicality and aggression were at new levels.

At the end of the day it was left to the old dogs Ger McDonagh, Donie Newcombe and Paddy Durcan to negotiate the path to victory. Charlestown can be proud of their efforts.

From a club that gave Mayo wonderful characters like David Tiernan, John Casey and Tom Parsons they played with a lovely mix of individual cuteness and supportive teamwork. The result of their home tie with Garrymore next weekend will go a long way to decide who advances to the quarterfinal stages.

Knockmore will be pleased with their six-point win over Aghamore and know that an away win against Ballina next day should see them qualify.

For the Stephenites, I’d imagine smarting after dropping an away point to Ballaghaderreen, a win is vital.

Like many, I anticipated a big championship from them and talk of a resurgence will remain just that, talk, if they lose this game. Breaffy experienced little difficulty is seeing off the Claremorris challenge.

With Aidan O’Shea starring at full-forward, Stephen McDermott registering four points and a defence steady all through, they looked to have discovered an appetite for the campaign ahead.

A home win against Balla the next day will decide their destiny.

A repeat of their scoring efficiency from play, where they registered 10 points from 14 attempts, should do enough.

Those then with the comfort of an opening day win to their name can approach Sunday’s second round tie with confidence knowing that a repeat result more or less guarantees them qualification whereas a loss won’t be necessary ruinous and all- encompassing.

As against that, it’s back- to- the wall times for the likes of Aghamore, Balla, Davitts and Claremorris who have to dredge something extra from the system and, bottom line, secure a win to keep alive their championship hopes.

Interesting times ahead then for all where once again the magic of championship with its attendant thrills should provide plenty for player and spectator alike.