Mayo Cup finals take centre stage at Solar 21 Milebush Park
Ballyglass v Iorras Aontaithe – Sunday at 2 p.m. at Solar 21 Park
THE first of the Calor-sponsored finals takes place this weekend when Premier Division side Ballyglass take on the League Two champions Iorras Aontaithe in Solar 21 Park.
Ballyglass finished fourth in the league and were contenders for promotion for most of the season but they will be underdogs going into this final with Iorras who are on the hunt for a third trophy this season.
Iorras have gone unbeaten in all competitions so far this year and have knocked two other Premier Division sides out in earlier rounds as well as League One champions Castlebar Celtic B.
The Barony boys have won the McDonnell Cup as well the League Two title.
Iorras got the better of Ballinrobe Town in round one and had good wins over Ballyheane B and Celtic B before beating local rivals Kilmore in the semi-finals.
Ballyglass on the other hand have also been impressive in their own right, a stern defence means they are yet to concede a goal in their cup run with wins over Killala, Achill Rovers and Manulla B.
Iorras have had a fairly settled team for most of the season with players like Kian Gallagher, Aran Reilly, Cillian Reilly, Ivan Barrett and Ryan Ruddy ever presents throughout the season.
Ruddy is their top scorer with nineteen goals in all competitions while Barrett and Jason Boylan are two players Ballyglass will need to be wary of when the game kicks-off on Sunday.
Owen McHale’s return to action recently is a big plus for the side from the Barony and his performance in the middle of the park could be a key factor in who gets their hands on the cup.
Ballyglass have found it difficult to get the same eleven players on the pitch from week to week but if they can field their strongest eleven they will a huge threat to Iorras Aontaithe landing a treble.
Liam Hughes was one of the key players in their early season title push but the forward has not made an appearance for the club since the end of July.
Hughes is the top scorer for John Noonan’s side with thirteen goals while youngster Jack Keane has also impressed with nine goals to his name. Another player that Ballyglass will be hoping makes a return to the side is Ryan Connolly who has played very little football for the side in recent months.
The ex-League of Ireland midfielder would be a big addition to any club in the Mayo League and Ballyglass will be hoping he’s available for selection this weekend.
Overall it is hard to pick a winner but that’s why this should make for such a fascinating final when the two teams take to the field on Sunday afternoon in Solar 21 Park.
Verdict: Iorras Aontaithe
Under 21 Cup Final
Westport United V Conn Rangers - Solar 21 Park on Sunday at 11.30 a.m.
THIS year's Under-21 Cup final takes place this Sunday before the Calor Gas Cup final and features Westport United and Conn Rangers.
Westport United were runners up in this year's Under-21 league losing on penalties in a playoff to Castlebar Celtic and will go into the final as favourites with senior stars Cillian White, Dylan O’Malley, Kevin Kitterick, Harrison Quinn and Adam Nugent all available for the Covie side.
Westport overcame arch rivals Castlebar Celtic with a 3-2 win in the semi-final.
Conn Rangers go into the final after finishing mid-table in this year's U21 league but have put a good run together in the cup as they beat Ballyheane on penalties in the quarter final before defeating local rivals Ballina Town in the semi- final.
They are captained by senior player Brian Durkan who will be ably assisted by other senior players such as Adam Gallagher, Tuan O Horo and Tadgh O Sullivan.
Even though Conn Rangers finished ten points behind Westport in the League they ran them close when the sides met in United Park as Westport overcame the challenge through a 4-2 score line.
One of these clubs will get their hands on the Under-21 Cup for the first time on Sunday but going on form most would predict a win for Westport United.
Verdict: Westport United