Ballinrobe Town in search of a historic treble in Mayo Premier Cup final

THE double-header at Solar 21 Park this Sunday will kick-off with the Calor Gas Premier Cup final between League One and Tonra Cup winners Ballinrobe Town and Manulla B at 11.30 a.m.

Since their return to the Mayo League, Ballinrobe appear to be on a one-way trip to the Super League.

Following a league and cup double in their first year back, they are now looking to go one better and add the Premier Cup to the league and divisional cup they have already won this season and complete the season unbeaten in Mayo.

“It’s great to think about the treble and the undefeated streak, but it’s on the day. If we turn up on the day, we know our football can do the talking,” said Ballinrobe Town captain J.P. O’Gorman.

“I know everyone on the outside is talking about Ballinrobe but we’re keeping our feet grounded. Manulla B are no easy opponents at all. They’ll be very strong on the day we’re keeping are feet grounded.”

They only have to see how strong Manulla B have been in recent weeks to know nothing will come easy to them.

There is a great feeling around the club following the appointment of Walter Barrett as the A team manager and it has been followed up by some big results in recent weeks in the FAI Junior Cup.

After coming through Kilmore after extra-time in the opening round, they followed it up with straightforward wins over Conn Rangers C and Westport United C to reach the final.

“We’ve had a very strong last few weeks as a team and training has been at a new level,” said Manulla defender Ruairi Henry.

“There has been new first team management and there is a real buzz at the club coming into the cup final.

“Ballinrobe are full of experience and are a threat. We’ve had some battles with them this season but we will be ready for it.”

Manulla haven’t won a trophy since 2018, when the Manulla Super League team won the Westaro Cup, while the last success for a Manulla B side was their Tonra Cup success in 2016.

Ruairi believes victory in the final this Sunday would be ‘immense’ for a club going in the right direction.

“It’s been a couple of years since there has been a big trophy. The women’s team have done brilliantly over the last few years while it’s been some time for the men’s teams.

“The club is on an upward trajectory so for that and the experienced lads who have been here, this would be great.”

Manulla will push Ballinrobe to their limits but the south Mayo men have been a step above the rest this season.

Verdict: Ballinrobe Town.