Westport the team to watch

Mike Kelly reported on many Super League games last season and he's in as good a position as anyone to give his opinion on how this season will pan out. He gives his view here.

 

Defending champions Westport United will undoubtedly be the team to watch as this year's Mayo Super League kicks off this evening (April 11).

 

The 2014 champions took on all-comers last year as they romped home to the league title with a near perfect season and added both cups to their trophy cabinet in a historic season.

 

Now under new management, the Covies have also added the Liam McEntee Charity Shield to their winning run as they set themselves up for another tilt at the Super League.

 

With former Galway United manager John Brennan coming on board in the next few weeks, many expect the seaside town to continue their dominance on the local scene.

 

The 2013 champions, Ballina Town, and perennial challengers Castlebar Celtic will be the teams most likely out to stop Westport in their tracks on the eve of the new season.

 

Celtic came out the wrong side of a 2-0 result against their fierce rivals last Saturday in Milebush in the Charity Shield final but with Liam Irwin now on board to replace the departed Jason Hunt, Stevie Gavin's side will feel well placed to go one better than last season's second place finish.

 

The loss of Hunt could yet prove a huge blow to Celtic's chances, however, as the 18-year-old was always capable of changing a game in Castlebar's favour with a moment of magic.

 

If Benny Lavelle continues to bang in the goals for Ballina like he has been doing, then they will always consider themselves in with a chance.

 

Last season Town didn't manage to mount a great defence of their Super League title but Lavelle's goals will always give them a fighting chance. With Michael McNicholas at the helm, they'll be well prepared to give Westport and Celtic a run for their money.

 

The newly promoted sides, Conn Rangers and Ballyglass, could find life in the top league tough going but will head into the season with the belief that they can rattle a few cages and, like Charlestown last year, find themselves in a comfortable mid-table position by summer.

 

All in all, we could be on the verge of a good Super League season, with three teams harbouring genuine title beliefs.