Gripping Mayo club championship semi-finals on show

TYNAN'S TAKE

THERE is nothing quite like the club championship. While sections of the national media still cry about the shortened inter-county season, there has been some brilliant matches to watch across the country and we got plenty of them here in Mayo despite the adverse weather.

I felt there would be two close encounters of the junior kind on Saturday and that was how it turned out. Nothing spooky about that prediction but Brian O’Flaherty will certainly give those in Shrule/Glencorrib a few nightmares - and Mayo manager Kevin McStay some food for thought - following a great display in goals.

He saved a penalty and scored some monster frees to help Islandeady to the junior final. Standing in their way is championship favourites Cill Chomáin, who were pushed to the limit by Killala.

Going into extra-time, you would not have been surprised to see another shock by Killala after they dumped out Swinford but Justin Healy and Derek Moran came up with the goods to send Cill Chomáin into a second consecutive final.

While Kilmeena and Moy Davitts scheduled semi-final in the intermediate championship was a washout on Saturday, the rescheduled game in Islandeady saw Kilmeena come up with the answers once more and are now 60 minutes away from back to back junior and intermediate titles.

They will face their biggest test though in attempting to do so when they take on Ballyhaunis. The east Mayo men were mightily impressive in the way in reaching their third intermediate decider in four years after a resounding win over Hollymount/Carramore.

The double header at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park lived up to it’s billing for the most past. As expected, Ballintubber put it up to Ballina Stephenites for long periods but Ballina’s penchant for goals in this year’s championship came to the fore once again, with Frank Irwin’s goal proving the major difference.

The other semi-final was incredible drama at the end following a game they never lived up to its billing. I was listening to it on Midwest Radio on my way back from the FAI Junior Cup game between Boyle Celtic and Castlebar Celtic, and Stephen Grealis and Austin O’Malley’s epic commentary in the closing stages only added to the occasion. A penalty by Castlebar Mitchels’ Ethan Gibbons looked to have won it for them, only for Shane Scott to net in the final seconds to send Westport into the final.

You have to love the club championships.