Mayo Association Football League

[Cloggs]

Ballyheane v Crossmolina draw
Castlebar Celtic v Glenhest Rovers home
Erris Utd. v Manulla draw
Snugboro Utd. v Claremorris away
Westport Utd. v Ballina Town home

[FahyForever]

Was at the Westport United Ballina match last night and think it was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Five goals, a penalty, a sending off, good crowd and a hell of a lot of controversy! The step-up between the quality of the football between the top two teams in the county and the rest is significant enough at this stage. Westport worked extremely hard and Desie O Malley scored an early penalty and a breath-taking second half goal to boot. Got the ball with his back to the goal, swivelled and cracked a half-volley into the top corner. Unreal. Thought Colin Navin was very good too, fast and combative on the wing. Brian Fahy broke down a lot of Ballina play when he came on, Dave Horkan had a quiet game by his high standard but still won everything in the air and scored the winner. The Westport keeper was outstanding too. Have to feel slightly sorry for Ballina though; they played well and were denied a certain penalty minutes before Westport scored. They have real pace in the team too. makes for a really interesting finale to the season now though with the top two level on points.

[renovater]

Was at the Westport United Ballina match last night and think it was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Five goals, a penalty, a sending off, good crowd and a hell of a lot of controversy! The step-up between the quality of the football between the top two teams in the county and the rest is significant enough at this stage. Westport worked extremely hard and Desie O Malley scored an early penalty and a breath-taking second half goal to boot. Got the ball with his back to the goal, swivelled and cracked a half-volley into the top corner. Unreal. Thought Colin Navin was very good too, fast and combative on the wing. Brian Fahy broke down a lot of Ballina play when he came on, Dave Horkan had a quiet game by his high standard but still won everything in the air and scored the winner. The Westport keeper was outstanding too. Have to feel slightly sorry for Ballina though; they played well and were denied a certain penalty minutes before Westport scored. They have real pace in the team too. makes for a really interesting finale to the season now though with the top two level on points.

Would it be true to say, they westport has taken a big step towards the title?

[gazza2]

Would it be true to say, they westport has taken a big step towards the title?

If Celtic win there game in hand over Erris Utd then they are only 3 points behind the top 2 so they are not out of it yet

Should make it a very interesting run in for the league title this year

But still think Westport might win it

[Closing Time]

If Celtic win there game in hand over Erris Utd then they are only 3 points behind the top 2 so they are not out of it yet

Should make it a very interesting run in for the league title this year

But still think Westport might win it

I wish I could agree with you but its down to Utd & Town for the title. I taught Celtic had handed the title to town after defeating Utd, but it now looks that the Port will be champs once again, with Celtic doing them a favour in Ballina (or could they send down a under stenght team to repay Utd for not turning up for an end of season game against Balla to hand them the title in 1978 time will tell). Well done the Celtic's U-12 community games team that defending their All-Ireland crown in great style. The conveyor belt keeps rolling on.

[Closing Time]

kNew that dig would get you going CT :D
As regards under age. We just pick the talent coming through from Devon, Mervue ect. We are in partnership with the district league so they sow the crop and we pick the best fruit when its ripe . Simple really ;)

You know me to well. I suppose we are doing the same. We can't wait till the Boro & Town start bringing on their youths so that we can cherry pick like Utd. As for your partnership with the GDL, I taught that you were merely tenants who could not afford their own ground. Big club my ***

[hardcore]

I wish I could agree with you but its down to Utd & Town for the title. I taught Celtic had handed the title to town after defeating Utd, but it now looks that the Port will be champs once again, with Celtic doing them a favour in Ballina (or could they send down a under stenght team to repay Utd for not turning up for an end of season game against Balla to hand them the title in 1978 time will tell). Well done the Celtic's U-12 community games team that defending their All-Ireland crown in great style. The conveyor belt keeps rolling on.

Jesus, 1978! you dont hold grudges do you!!!!:):ball:

[Closing Time]

Jesus, 1978! you dont hold grudges do you!!!!:):ball:

Found a ladle and needed something to stir

[Unreal Madrid]

[ The conveyor belt keeps rolling on.[/QUOTE]

With kids taken off other clubs being used as the rollers.

[renovater]

You know me to well. I suppose we are doing the same. We can't wait till the Boro & Town start bringing on their youths so that we can cherry pick like Utd. As for your partnership with the GDL, I taught that you were merely tenants who could not afford their own ground. Big club my ***
Pilkie will not be to please to here that, the Cherry Picking.
To be fair it shouldn't happen, when you consider the time and effort small clubs make!!

[Closing Time]

[ The conveyor belt keeps rolling on.

With kids taken off other clubs being used as the rollers.[/QUOTE]

What can we do when these players come looking to Celtic to improve their skills and have a chance of winning local, provincial & national titles. Send them up to Dublin or have them lost to the GAA (no problem with the GAA). I would say that Westport would love to have these players come knocking on their door.

[Closing Time]

Pilkie will not be to please to here that, the Cherry Picking.
To be fair it shouldn't happen, when you consider the time and effort small clubs make!!

I do understand your point, but this is how football works. Celtic have lost Ronan O'Boyle, Ciaran Kelly, Joey Maloney & Stevie Ryan to LOI clubs and had to suffer watching the excellent RO'B score two last Tuesday. I know smaller clubs put in the effort and then watch players move to bigger clubs but this is what it is all about. Celtic are now the next step in Mayo to the LOI and possible Irish Caps. Before these players had to go Dublin and still will, even from Celtic but at least we are offering our players and others a higher standard and have now started to compete with the GAA, who traditionally had the pick of all the best young players in their area. If you have a different solution please let me know.

[irishyop]

I do understand your point, but this is how football works. Celtic have lost Ronan O'Boyle, Ciaran Kelly, Joey Maloney & Stevie Ryan to LOI clubs and had to suffer watching the excellent RO'B score two last Tuesday. I know smaller clubs put in the effort and then watch players move to bigger clubs but this is what it is all about. Celtic are now the next step in Mayo to the LOI and possible Irish Caps. Before these players had to go Dublin and still will, even from Celtic but at least we are offering our players and others a higher standard and have now started to compete with the GAA, who traditionally had the pick of all the best young players in their area. If you have a different solution please let me know.

Very good post the CT, everyone wants to better themselves so at the moment the best way to be in the shop window is to be at Celtic, put yourselves in these young lads boots, if you had the chance of been seen by an EL club would you move to Celtic where EL U21 clubs are now playing against or would you wait at your club with little or no chance of been seen.

I am sure throughout the Country that this is happening and of course it is sh**e for the lads who trained and gave their time to these young lads head off to other clubs. But it is happening day in day out, it used to be UK clubs coming and takin the lads, now it is more "at home" this is a problem?

[mandarin frogs]

With kids taken off other clubs being used as the rollers.

What can we do when these players come looking to Celtic to improve their skills and have a chance of winning local, provincial & national titles. Send them up to Dublin or have them lost to the GAA (no problem with the GAA). I would say that Westport would love to have these players come knocking on their door.[/QUOTE]

Have to agree CT. I Think celtic are victims of their own success in this regard. Its not their fault that people want to join them. This goes back to what ive stated previously here to all this "poaching" abuse. Players have their own minds, and if they approach any club to join, its hardly that clubs fault! Celtic have provided a shop window (and mayo league previously, though dont think they were as focused as a club team) for young local players, to play for, if THEY so wish. Any talented player will be noticed at any level, but at least now mayo league players dont have to go outside the county to play at a higher level. Im sure any other clubs in mayo would prefer their players to join celtic rather than leave the county? Anyone who thinks otherwise please correct me. The Days of joining dublin teams to get noticed are gone. Fair play to celtic for the brave decision. I hope other clubs like Westport or Ballina follow suit for the good of Mayo football:ball:

[mandarin frogs]

On an un-related topic, anyone reading the castlebar paper (ye know the one) may be slightly confused to see mossy lallys new column is called "kellys corner"!:)
This idea of reducing an already small division further is daft. It would leave no room for error, and would result in the usual 6 (westport/celtic/ballina/erris/manulla/ballyheane) hammering 2 promoted teams from a poor premier division, and finding themselves safe every year. As it stands, half the premier division teams cant get promoted anyway, so a mid-table team in the premier could find themselves in an 8-team super league! I dont fancy their chances!
If the small clubs dont have the top division in mayo to aim for, then whats the point? Yes, some teams get a hiding from the top teams, but how do they improve if they cant compete in it? Look at examples of crossmolina and snugboro- they might get relegated, but at least they have had a taste of it for the last few seasons, and then they will know what to aim for if they go down.
Its all about improvement. Remember its only 2000 since ballina had to win the premier division to get to the super league. that they stayed there, and improved to todays level, is what all these weaker clubs should aspire to.
Its not the fault of the top few clubs that some teams have nothing to play for at the end of the season, its up to the rest to get up to that level.:ball:

P.S - Leave it at 10 teams tom. and stop drinking with mossy!:p

[juan pablo]

Mossy lally hasn't got a clue what he is talking about, he's a clown.

[Footy Mad]

Westport and Celtic to meet in A.I.B. Cup Final after beating Erris B and Ballyheane. Westport won 2-0 while Celtic won on penalties

[Thunderblaster]

Westport won 2-0

:D:D:D

[Closing Time]

Mossy lally hasn't got a clue what he is talking about, he's a clown.
If you are going to post something negative about someone please be a man and put your name after it, if not keep your small minded jibes to yourself. Tell me want have you achieved as a manager, nothing I would say after a silly post like that. Cope on you silly boy. Mossy's articles are excellent and he would be my choice as the new Mayo Team manager

[OscarBravo]

On an un-related topic, anyone reading the castlebar paper (ye know the one) may be slightly confused to see mossy lallys new column is called "kellys corner"!:)
This idea of reducing an already small division further is daft. It would leave no room for error, and would result in the usual 6 (westport/celtic/ballina/erris/manulla/ballyheane) hammering 2 promoted teams from a poor premier division, and finding themselves safe every year. As it stands, half the premier division teams cant get promoted anyway, so a mid-table team in the premier could find themselves in an 8-team super league! I dont fancy their chances!
If the small clubs dont have the top division in mayo to aim for, then whats the point? Yes, some teams get a hiding from the top teams, but how do they improve if they cant compete in it? Look at examples of crossmolina and snugboro- they might get relegated, but at least they have had a taste of it for the last few seasons, and then they will know what to aim for if they go down.
Its all about improvement. Remember its only 2000 since ballina had to win the premier division to get to the super league. that they stayed there, and improved to todays level, is what all these weaker clubs should aspire to.
Its not the fault of the top few clubs that some teams have nothing to play for at the end of the season, its up to the rest to get up to that level.:ball:

P.S - Leave it at 10 teams tom. and stop drinking with mossy!:p

Frogs would you be think though that something needs to be done about the gap between the top six and the rest. While your point about it being up to the other clubs to close the gap, a division where Crossmolina lose 8-0, Snugboro 14-0 and Claremorris 7-1 is doing no good to anyone.
Something needs to be done to make the league more competitive for the whole year.
Too many teams freewheel through the last few games of the season with nothing to play for. It doesn't have to be an eight team Super League but the format definitely has to be looked at

[juan pablo]

If you are going to post something negative about someone please be a man and put your name after it, if not keep your small minded jibes to yourself. Tell me want have you achieved as a manager, nothing I would say after a silly post like that. Cope on you silly boy. Mossy's articles are excellent and he would be my choice as the new Mayo Team manager

would you go away would ya like a good lad!!

[Footy Mad]

Frogs would you be think though that something needs to be done about the gap between the top six and the rest. While your point about it being up to the other clubs to close the gap, a division where Crossmolina lose 8-0, Snugboro 14-0 and Claremorris 7-1 is doing no good to anyone.
Something needs to be done to make the league more competitive for the whole year.
Too many teams freewheel through the last few games of the season with nothing to play for. It doesn't have to be an eight team Super League but the format definitely has to be looked at

Have to agree that the format needs to be looked at not just in the Super Laegue but the League as a whole. Its crazy to think that this season it was possible for a team to finish 4th or 5th in The Premier Division and still get promoted to The Super League. Ex - If Celtic B, Westport B and Manulla B finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd the 4th and 5th placed teams would then have been promoted because the three B teams can't.
Its difficult to know what should be done but there is a need for at least some changes.

[renovater]

I do understand your point, but this is how football works. Celtic have lost Ronan O'Boyle, Ciaran Kelly, Joey Maloney & Stevie Ryan to LOI clubs and had to suffer watching the excellent RO'B score two last Tuesday. I know smaller clubs put in the effort and then watch players move to bigger clubs but this is what it is all about. Celtic are now the next step in Mayo to the LOI and possible Irish Caps. Before these players had to go Dublin and still will, even from Celtic but at least we are offering our players and others a higher standard and have now started to compete with the GAA, who traditionally had the pick of all the best young players in their area. If you have a different solution please let me know.
First of all C.Kelly J.Maloney were players who you brought in from other clubs.
Should your players go to league of Ireland you should be compensated for your devlopment of these other players
It would and should be Ballinrobe and sligo who should benefit from the other two.
Thats life.

[renovater]

On an un-related topic, anyone reading the castlebar paper (ye know the one) may be slightly confused to see mossy lallys new column is called "kellys corner"!:)
This idea of reducing an already small division further is daft. It would leave no room for error, and would result in the usual 6 (westport/celtic/ballina/erris/manulla/ballyheane) hammering 2 promoted teams from a poor premier division, and finding themselves safe every year. As it stands, half the premier division teams cant get promoted anyway, so a mid-table team in the premier could find themselves in an 8-team super league! I dont fancy their chances!
If the small clubs dont have the top division in mayo to aim for, then whats the point? Yes, some teams get a hiding from the top teams, but how do they improve if they cant compete in it? Look at examples of crossmolina and snugboro- they might get relegated, but at least they have had a taste of it for the last few seasons, and then they will know what to aim for if they go down.
Its all about improvement. Remember its only 2000 since ballina had to win the premier division to get to the super league. that they stayed there, and improved to todays level, is what all these weaker clubs should aspire to.
Its not the fault of the top few clubs that some teams have nothing to play for at the end of the season, its up to the rest to get up to that level.:ball:

P.S - Leave it at 10 teams tom. and stop drinking with mossy!:p

There an old saying!!
If its not broken don't fix it.

Tom and mossy should continue there conversations over a few bevies, but dont confuse the rest of us with such drivel.
Clubs should take full responsabiltys for there actions on the field ,there seem to be a hidden agenda last season which saw Snugboro beat Manulla to stay up,and relegate S/Foxford.
That not to say S/f had there own problems with key players leaving the club.
Which certainly did cause them to deflate.

We need a Ten team league what we need is the other teams to come up to the standard the other teams have set. failing to messure up will see them go back down.
It the same in every league up and down the country.

[renovater]

Have to agree that the format needs to be looked at not just in the Super Laegue but the League as a whole. Its crazy to think that this season it was possible for a team to finish 4th or 5th in The Premier Division and still get promoted to The Super League. Ex - If Celtic B, Westport B and Manulla B finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd the 4th and 5th placed teams would then have been promoted because the three B teams can't.
Its difficult to know what should be done but there is a need for at least some changes.
The facts are we all got to step up to the plate and be counted.When it comes to clubs B teams, they must take there place in the top division if they are promoted. The rule say's they the B team must set up a new club with its own officers. the purpose behind this is to collect more money for the Mayo League coffers.
The answer to the problem is to allow the B Team to take its place, provided it has seperate panel.and forget about new club, if a player wishes to play for Celtic A from Celtic B he must transfer before 31st july.
This will see the best teams playing in the top fight, and not promoting 3rd or 4th teams.

[Footy Mad]

he facts are we all got to step up to the plate and be counted.When it comes to clubs B teams, they must take there place in the top division if they are promoted. The rule say's they the B team must set up a new club with its own officers. the purpose behind this is to collect more money for the Mayo League coffers.
The answer to the problem is to allow the B Team to take its place, provided it has seperate panel.and forget about new club, if a player wishes to play for Celtic A from Celtic B he must transfer before 31st july.
This will see the best teams playing in the top fight, and not promoting 3rd or 4th teams.


Maybe this is the best solution but it could lead to maybe 3 of the 10 Supeleague teams being B teams. But I suppose if they are seperate squads then it would be the best teams in the Superleague. The only problem I can see is that games between A and B teams could be fixed unless maybe they played each other in the first game and tenth game of the season.

[Ranger]

The facts are we all got to step up to the plate and be counted.When it comes to clubs B teams, they must take there place in the top division if they are promoted. The rule say's they the B team must set up a new club with its own officers. the purpose behind this is to collect more money for the Mayo League coffers.
The answer to the problem is to allow the B Team to take its place, provided it has seperate panel.and forget about new club, if a player wishes to play for Celtic A from Celtic B he must transfer before 31st july.
This will see the best teams playing in the top fight, and not promoting 3rd or 4th teams.

Reno, what do you think would happen if on the last game of the season Celtic A were playing A Celtic B needing a win to pip Westport by a point to win the league:eek:

[mandarin frogs]

Mossy lally hasn't got a clue what he is talking about, he's a clown.

Take it easy JP. I mentioned mossy in jest, and im sure anyone reading would recognise that. I agree with what CT said about this. Get to know the man before casting these comments

[mandarin frogs]

Frogs would you be think though that something needs to be done about the gap between the top six and the rest. While your point about it being up to the other clubs to close the gap, a division where Crossmolina lose 8-0, Snugboro 14-0 and Claremorris 7-1 is doing no good to anyone.
Something needs to be done to make the league more competitive for the whole year.
Too many teams freewheel through the last few games of the season with nothing to play for. It doesn't have to be an eight team Super League but the format definitely has to be looked at

Fair point, but i think those hammerings would have happened at any stage in the season, not just the last few games (think the 14-0 was in may?not sure. correct me if its wrong).Goes back to a quality level point made earlier. These divisions have been at 10 teams all the previous years and no-one ever mentioned this the last 2 seasons. I remember the same journalist mentioned this in his column during the 2004 season, when conn rangers and ballyvary took serious beatings from the top teams. Fair point, but these teams got relegated, and both went into freefall. Not to sound harsh, but surely its up to these clubs to aspire to get back to that level? What can the mayo league do to help these teams? Sort out their defences?! And the other side of the coin- the ballina's/westports/celtics of this world can only beat whats put in their way. Its not their fault that these other clubs were in the top 10 positions in mayo, and the same beatings would happen if they found themselves in a top 8 or so.

Apoligies for using conn and the bombers as an example. Anyone have any suggestions to re-vamp the entire league? C'mon guys, lets start a huge debate and ill bet that TK will mention us on "Mossys Corner"!!:):ball:

[mandarin frogs]

First of all C.Kelly J.Maloney were players who you brought in from other clubs.
Should your players go to league of Ireland you should be compensated for your devlopment of these other players
It would and should be Ballinrobe and sligo who should benefit from the other two.
Thats life.

How do you work out any compensation? Money X Age X Weight X appearances X Goals? :D

[mandarin frogs]

There an old saying!!
If its not broken don't fix it.

Tom and mossy should continue there conversations over a few bevies, but dont confuse the rest of us with such drivel.
Clubs should take full responsabiltys for there actions on the field ,there seem to be a hidden agenda last season which saw Snugboro beat Manulla to stay up,and relegate S/Foxford.
That not to say S/f had there own problems with key players leaving the club.
Which certainly did cause them to deflate.

We need a Ten team league what we need is the other teams to come up to the standard the other teams have set. failing to messure up will see them go back down.
It the same in every league up and down the country.

Dont see what last years Manulla/Snugboro/Ballyheane relegation issue has to do with our 10 team division argument. But now that you've mentioned a "Hidden agenda" to relegate S+f:confused: What was "hidden"? It was crystal clear that Manulla were hardly going to worry if Ballyheane got relegated! It wasnt their problem. If any team got relegated in any division, it was their fault, not any other clubs.:ball:

[the grape vine]

well in my opinion, the super league is a bit of joke, u got the 3 teams at the top miles ahead of the rest of pack,all 3 teams have got young squads and looks like the 3 of them will battle it out for the coming seasons!!! then u got erris,manulla,b/heane battleing for the next 3 place's and after that the rest and very poor, if u look at the boro in 7th place a goal difference of -39(57 goals against) and probably will not get relegated, its a very poor reflection on super leageue in general !!!!

[Closed Account]

well in my opinion, the super league is a bit of joke, u got the 3 teams at the top miles ahead of the rest of pack,all 3 teams have got young squads and looks like the 3 of them will battle it out for the coming seasons!!! then u got erris,manulla,b/heane battleing for the next 3 place's and after that the rest and very poor, if u look at the boro in 7th place a goal difference of -39(57 goals against) and probably will not get relegated, its a very poor reflection on super leageue in general !!!!
We deliberately conceded that many goals to demonstrate that the Mayo League needs restructuring, quite innovative if you ask me.

[Closed Account]

Next 3 Super League dates for Snugboro for example are
Snugboro United Manulla Snugboro 23/09/2007 12:00 TBC Round 16
Erris United Snugboro United Carnenash 30/09/2007 14:30 TBC Round 17
Snugboro United Glenhest Rovers Snugboro 21/10/2007 14:30 TBC Round 18
Thats, 8 Weeks for 3 games. However a Reliable Source(IM) informed a colleague of mine that the Erris game has been brought forward to next weekend, can anyone Deny/Confirm this?

[gazza2]

All Round 17 games are now next weekend Sept 2nd. The Aib Cup Final is now taking place on Sept 30th

[Closed Account]

Sweet.

[irishyop]

Does that also include the other division lads?

Bit daft alright Joe, 4 league games left in Premier league, 2 Sept, 1 Oct, 1 Nov. Daftness

[the grape vine]

Does that also include the other division lads?

Bit daft alright Joe, 4 league games left in Premier league, 2 Sept, 1 Oct, 1 Nov. Daftness

why the big gap in the games?? doesn't make sense..

[gazza2]

the Junior cup is starting and Round 1 is Sept 16th and Round 2 is Oct 14

[irishyop]

Even with these 2 matches there is still a daft gap

[Closed Account]

Westport and Ballina could have to wait 3 weeks level on points to see who wins the league(and celtic maybe) and relegation might not be copperfastened by then either. Makes the league more like a cup competition. shame.

[the grape vine]

ya it ashame alright, it has been run pretty well up to this !!

[Footy Mad]

The other dates are for the Connacht cup. Last 4 games in division 1 are the 9th and 23rd of September, 7th October and 11th November

[terrier]

can anyone tell me who owns astro pitches at celtic park ?was there last night and they are in a cat state no pitch markings,no footballs provided,litter all over the place but people there to take your money for using it.

[Closing Time]

can anyone tell me who owns astro pitches at celtic park ?was there last night and they are in a cat state no pitch markings,no footballs provided,litter all over the place but people there to take your money for using it.

You should ask the person who is collecting your money for a contact name & # and you can put your comments to that person. As far as I know they will be replacing the turf when they install the full lenght pitch later this year.

[irishyop]

CT is right, there has been little spent on it for a while due to the upgrades later on in the year, you should still make your point. Some there been paid to do that job.

[threefivetwo]

i seen nobody commented on celtic's great victory against cobh ramblers on sunday, first year in the eircom league and they're in the semi finals, they've gotten further that all these bigger clubs who have a lot more players to choose from and come from all over ireland!!

[irishyop]

Its a great achievement alright. Well done

[hardcore]

i seen nobody commented on celtic's great victory against cobh ramblers on sunday, first year in the eircom league and they're in the semi finals, they've gotten further that all these bigger clubs who have a lot more players to choose from and come from all over ireland!!

Fair play to celtic, hope they go all the way:ball:

[hardcore]

We deliberately conceded that many goals to demonstrate that the Mayo League needs restructuring, quite innovative if you ask me.

Great thinking! A few clubs tried the same thing last weekend aswell!