All you need to know about the Mayo GAA League deciders and play-offs
by Aiden Henry
WITH the final round of the Mayo senior football leagues held at the weekend, the picture is now much clearer as to who will contest the different divisional finals, who has been relegated, and who will be involved in the relegation play-offs.
In Division 1, both Castlebar Mitchels and Westport have topped the respective 1A and 1B tables, and will now meet to decide who wins the title. The same pairing contested the 2023 decider, with Castlebar winning the title.
Going into the last round, Mitchels had already qualified for the final after winning all of their eight games.
While an understrength Mitchels lost to Ballinrobe in the ninth round, one expects they will be back to full strength for the final against Westport.
Meanwhile, Westport needed at least a draw against Mayo Gaels to make sure they topped Division 1B. They made sure of their place in the final with a big win over the Gaels.
At the other end of the Division 1 tables, both Ballyhaunis and Kilmeena finished bottom (of 1A and 1B respectively) and have been relegated.
There will be a playoff to see which other two teams are relegated with them.
In these playoffs, Charlestown will meet Kiltane and Breaffy will play Aghamore. Both Charlestown and Aghamore will have home advantage for these ties as both finished in eighth place in their respective divisions.
In Divisions 2 and 3, the two top teams in each section will play each other in the finals and are automatically promoted.
There are two other promotion places to play for also. In both divisions they will be decided as follows: second placed team in section A plays the third placed team in section B; second placed team in section B plays the third placed team in section A (second placed teams at home in each case).
In Division 2, it will be an all-north Mayo decider with Ardnaree and Crossmolina Deel Rovers contesting the final. Ardnaree have topped Division 2A while Crossmolina, who were unbeaten in,their nine games, top Division 2B.
The other two promotion places will be decided by the winners of Burrishoole v Louisburgh and Hollymount/Carramore v Islandeady.
The pairing for the Division 3 is Eastern Gaels and Breaffy B. Eastern Gaels ended their Division 3A campaign with 100% record.
Breaffy B, meanwhile, won seven games, drew one and lost one, and they made sure of their place in the decider following a good victory over neighbours Balla last weekend.
The other two promotion places will be decided by the winners of Westport B versus Claremorris. B and Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin B versus Kilmovee Shamrocks.
Dates and venues will be announced shortly.