The next round of the Connacht Gold Leitrim Senior Championship commences this week, with many teams finding out whether they’ll be eyeing up a title or facing relegation.
Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v Mohill
This is the game that all eyes in the county are sure to be on, as it’ll be a repeat of last years senior final when Ballinamore welcome Mohill.
Both teams will be left reeling after defeats last week and will feel they cannot afford to lose this one if they are to secure a place in the quarter-finals. They are both two points behind their group leaders in Fenagh and Leitrim Gaels, so already this is an important fixture.
There will be plenty of county players on show in what should be the game of the weekend. The added extra stakes will ensure that there is a little bit more of an edge as well, as at the very least the losers will put themselves in a tough position to get back to the county final.
Dromahair, the new boys at senior grade have found the going tough so far. Facing a Fenagh side high on confidence after last weeks win v Mohill, it’s likely to be another hard match for them.
The hosts should have the ammunition to stay at this level, but will require a strong outing either this week or next to avoid the trap door back into intermediate.
Fenagh on the other hand have been impressive in their two wins to date. They’ll be expected to win this one, which would guarantee them a semi final spot.
The form of Ryan O’Rourke, Jack Gilheany and Donal Wrynn has been important and if they keep it up they’ll be hard to beat. Another win here will have those in Fenagh seriously thinking about ending the 90 year drought for a senior title.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert v Melvin Gaels
The North Leitrim side will head to Carrick on Saturday evening to face Mary’s, who are coming off a fantastic win v Ballinamore last weekend.
Carrick have started championships slow in recent years and it’s not unusual for them to gain momentum as the championship goes on, which seems to be happening again here. Melvin Gaels on the other hand are still looking for win number one in this years championship and will be looking to their young core to help deliver that.
Mary’s, finalists in 2020, can put one foot in the knockout stages with a win as it would secure a spot in the quarter finals. Melvin Gaels on the other hand will be looking at the relegation series with a loss.
Aughawillan v Glencar/Manorhamilton
This clash brings together two sides with a stellar record in the championship in recent years, with eight of the last fifteen going to either Aughawillan or Glencar/Manorhamilton. Aughawillan have taken three, with Glencar winning five.
Although they’ve essentially shared the last fifteen championships between them, there is a new crop of players on both sides. These two clubs have also pulled off some surprise results.
A win for either would put them into the knockout stages. Both sides have demonstrated a prowess in the middle of the field, with Pearce Dolan and Fergal McTague facing Barry McNulty. It will be interesting to see how the prospective future Leitrim star copes with two veterans and experienced campaigners.
Up front, Glencar Manor have the impressive Evan Sweeney and Niall Brady to fall back on, but this clash will likely rely on how each side can break down each others defences.
All these factors combine to make it the most evenly matched game in the senior championship this weekend, with a lot on the line in the hunt for quarter final spots.
Some may argue that Leitrim Gaels have been fortunate with the draw at this stage, but so far they’ve passed every test put in front of them and find themselves joint top of the table with Fenagh. They’ll need another big performance to nail down a quarter final spot and will be disappointed if they drop points in this one.
Gortletteragh however have already pulled off a big surprise in Kinlough in round one and will fancy their chances of taking a scalp if everything clicks against Leitrim Gaels. The availability of Jack Heslin will be key to their chances.
Should they be without him, they’ll look to Keoghan McGovern and Francis Flynn to find scores. Jamie Quinn has also found himself slowly growing into his role as a senior footballer.
Oisin Niblock at the back will provide some flair and playmaking ability. If all of these player show up, they stand a chance of pulling off a shock.
FinalWhistle.ie will also be providing live audio and text commentary of each game, as well as stats and reports.
