In it to win it
The start of the season always allows for some hope but while all 40 teams taking part across the four divisions of the Mayo Football League will strive for silverware, only a few will achieve it.
All four divisions commence this weekend (April 11/12) and the format is somewhat simpler this year – there are four divisions of 10 teams each, all with two rounds of matches on a home and away basis, resulting in 18 league games for each team.
There are some changes to the dates on which games will be played, as Mayo Football League secretary John Durkan explains: “It is the intention of the league management committee (LMC) to leave the bank holidays of May, June and August free to play outstanding matches and the second round of the divisional cup competitions. Thursdays will also be used for outstanding matches. It is our intention to stage the Super League divisional cup final on the same weekend as the Mayo International Cup final.”
There are changes to the Connacht Gold cup competitions too, as Mr. Durkan points out: “The Connacht Gold competitions are revamped, with 16 teams in the Connacht Gold Super Cup, 16 in the Connacht Gold Premier Cup and eight in the Connacht Gold Challenge Cup - all of which are knockout competitions.”
The 10 Super League teams are: Ballina Town, Ballyglass, Ballyheane, Castlebar Celtic, Charlestown Athletic, Conn Rangers, Iorras Aontaithe, Manulla, Straide & Foxford United and Westport United. Expect Westport United to successfully defend their title, although Castlebar Celtic and Ballina Town should be able to mount a stiffer challenge this year.
The teams going to battle in the Premier A division are: Castlebar Celtic B, Claremorris, Fahy Rovers, Glenhest Rovers, Killala, Kiltimagh/Knock United, Moy Villa, Partry Athletic, Swinford and Westport United B. This is almost too close to call, but it's likely Fahy Rovers, Claremorris, Kiltimagh/Knock United, Glenhest Rovers and Westport United B will be vying for honours.
The Premier B teams are: Achill Rovers, Ballyhaunis Town, Ballinrobe Town, Bangor Hibs, Conn Rangers B, Manulla B, Mulranny United, Newport Town, Snugboro United and Urlaur United. Picking a winner won't be easy, but Achill Rovers, Ballyhaunis Town and Snugboro United should be there or thereabouts.
Finally, League One is the bottom division this year and the teams competing are: Ballina Town B, Ballyglass B, Ballyvary Blue Bombers, Charlestown Athletic B, Crossmolina, Fahy Rovers B, Hollister, Kilmore, Kiltimagh/Knock United B and Snugboro United B. The B teams of Fahy, Ballina and Charlestown all did well last year but Kilmore could be the pick of the bunch.
With so many games about to take place over the course of the season, there will be disciplinary issues. Last year there were 1,278 cautions while 93 players reached four cautions and seven accumulated eight. In total there were 89 red cards issued and €9,807.50 was taken in in fines. Be careful with those challenges!