The big talking points ahead of Mayo's busy GAA weekend
by Martin Carney, Mayo's foremost GAA analyst
THREE laps to go: quarterfinal, semi-final and final.
Eight teams are still standing, and probably seven from that octet most would have predicted advancing before the competition began.
Ballaghaderreen’s absence came as a surprise to many. Charlestown, I felt, had shipped too much collateral damage from their opening game to recover from.
From the remainder, however, an air of inevitability prevailed.
At face value, the Westport v Breaffy game appears as one where the result is a foregone conclusion.
Reigning champions pitting their wits against a team that were it not for the displays of Aidan O’Shea in particular wouldn’t be here.
To date, the ‘Port lads have given the impression that they are playing within their capabilities and are doing just enough to keep the generator powered.
A facile win against Charlestown was a prelude to a testier encounter against Ballaghaderreen before the expected victory over Claremorris left them as the only team in the group with maximum points.
With an all-round blend of good athleticism, impressive scoring power and leadership, Martin Connolly’s charges look neatly primed for this game and whatever follows.
That all of this happened without the presence of Killian Kilkelly, one of last year’s star players, adds greater credibility to their achievements.
The return of Rory Brickenden to the fold in the full-back line has given a more solid feel to a defence which, the last day, saw Lee Keegan and Eoghan McLaughlin star in the half-back line.
A forward line with Colm Moran and Alan Kennedy impressing looks to have the broad range of score-takers so important at this juncture.
An intriguing sub-plot, and a matter of fascination on Sunday, will lie in who from the trio of Keegan, Brickenden and McLaughlin will pit their wits against Breaffy’s talisman Aidan O’Shea, who has been the player of the championship to date.
Aside from fetching, carrying and tackling, his score-taking has had a settling effect on his team; that recent two-goal haul against Mayo Gaels spelt the difference between winning and losing.
In contrast to their opponents, Breaffy lack the all-round power and talent to really test Westport, although in making the point one has to acclaim the displays to date of Conor O’ Shea, Colm Flynn, Mattie Ruane and Tommy Reilly. Breaffy will be game but Westport on known form should progress.
CLUTCHES
Form and progress have escaped the clutches of opponents Castlebar Mitchels and Ballintubber, who meet in the second quarterfinal.
Whether or not it has to do with both teams prioritising rigid defensive systems I cannot say, but what has remained locked in the memory bank with both is their collective attacking excellence.
In this respect, registering just eight points the last day in their tie with Garrymore is hard to understand from a Ballintubber team that boasts forwards of the calibre of Stephen O’Malley, Diarmuid and Cillian O’Connor.
Mitchels have remained stubborn at the back over the course of their games to date but were it not for the guile and opportunism of Neil Douglas against both Ballyhaunis and Aughamore, quite simply their presence in the last eight wouldn’t have happened.
As with their opponents, attackers with the potential of Ethan Gibbons, James Durcan’s experience and Ultan Reilly have sufficient quality to trouble most defences – provided, that is, there is greater all-round attacking purpose.
To expect a game of football with both sides breaking free from their habitual defensive moulds, that has so far defined them, is a bit much to ask for.
Fear of losing will still dominate, yet whoever can shed this and manage to impose their undoubted forward dynamism will advance, I feel. Biased I may be, but I still see Mitchels being that team when the occasion matters most in Breaffy on Saturday afternoon.
Runners-up last year and unbeaten to date, Ballina Stephenites look in rude health for their north Mayo derby with Belmullet. With full points against Balla, Breaffy and Mayo Gaels, there was never a time in the group stages when the Stephenites looked troubled.
Good form is coursing throughout. At the back, David Clarke, Ger Cafferkey and Padraig O’Hora provide a sense of stability, allowing others like Sam Callinan a free hand. Leaking what they did against Balla – two goals and 12 points – won’t have pleased but with the warning will come an improvement in this area.
Dylan Thornton and veteran Evan Regan in particular have caught the eye, but that’s not to denigrate the efforts of Conor McStay, Frank Irwin and others.
OPPORTUNITY
Nothing fires Erris men more than a tilt at the townies and now Belmullet have the opportunity of ending Ballina’s interests for another season. Needless to say, motivation will find an easy home here but the big question is have they the spread of talent to realise their dream?
Just as Breaffy lean on Aidan O’Shea, Belmullet do likewise with Ryan O’Donoghue. Dragon-like and breathing fire all over the pitch, he will once again need to find more of the same. I’d expect Padraig O’Hora as his shadow all afternoon and this one-on-one contest (providing it materialises, of course) should be worth the admission money.
In support, the likes of Eamonn Mc Andrew, youngster Anthony Barrett and ball-winner Jason Boylan won’t be found wanting but in the greater scheme of things, Belmullet might struggle in vital positions.
Some forget that they reached a county final two years ago but, with many from then now seeking out far-off lands, continuity has proved a problem. Ballina by five or six, I feel.
Quietly plying their craft, doing what’s necessary and keeping afloat with the minimum fuss – that’s been the Knockmore way to date.
A draw with the Mitchels on opening day followed with wins against Ballyhaunis and Aghamore has taken them here, with Charlestown now the latest to test their credentials.
None of us, after their mauling at the hands of Westport on opening day, expected Charlestown to be still standing but their subsequent resurrection has been one of the good-news stories in this year's championship.
Matthew Lenehan has grown in stature with the passing weeks. Paul Towey, with his assurance from placed ball, is a major asset. His work alongside Ruairi Cullen catches the eye but, aside from their individual excellence, it’s been the character evident in getting this far for the first time in nine years that has impressed.
Knockmore, though, will be a different animal. Tough, organised, comfortable playing at this level, they have the credentials to go further. From Colm Reape through Kevin McLoughlin and on to Connell Dempsey, Pearse Ruttledge and Aiden Orme, I feel they will simply be too powerful for their opponents.
Quarterfinals always present an awkward circuit. Let’s see who from the eight are best equipped to negotiate it.