Mayo Junior Soccer

[Closed Account]

Does anyone who knows much about the Mayo Super League have an opinion on how the league will go this year. It's hard to look outside Westport, Celtic and Erris for champions. Will Westport suffer later in the season because they've been training and playing in both the Connacht and FAI cup throughout the winter break. Do you think Snugboro have a chance of staying up? They've consistently played well in Cup competitions against Super League teams over the last 3 years. They've beaten Ballina Town, Ballyvary Blue Bombers, Erris United and lost in extra time to Westport United and Manulla.

[Thunderblaster]

. Do you think Snugboro have a chance of staying up? They've consistently played well in Cup competitions against Super League teams over the last 3 years. They've beaten Ballina Town, Ballyvary Blue Bombers, Erris United and lost in extra time to Westport United and Manulla.

Ballyvary Blue Bombers? You must be having a laugh mate. I would not gauge beating Ballyvary Blue Bombers as a significant achievement. They were destroyed last year in the league. The other results are significant enough. However, the league is over eighteen games and the cup is on the day. Would be nice to see a small club like Snugboro stay up but unless Snugboro adds strength and depth to the squad, I'm afraid it would be a swift return to the Premier Division.

[Thunderblaster]

can you write like this rather Than Like This, Cos I Keep Thinking You Are Starting A New Sentence And Its Really Annoying.

westport are an average connaucht side. I doubt they are as good as mervue/castlebar celtic/castlerea celtic/ballinasloe town, so if carew have beaten any of those teams before they will more than likely beat them. Having said that wesport will have great beleif and determination going into this.

You're obviously a Castlerea fan and Castlerea Celtic aren't exactly the glamourest side in Connacht. Certainly not with the Mervues, Galway Hibs, Abbey Utds and Salthill Devons of this world. Given that only one Roscommon side ever won the Connacht Cup (only last year), does not speak an awful lot for soccer in the county. I have to give credit though on Castlerea Celtic reaching the open draw in the F.A.I. Junior Cup last year and beating the defending champions of the Connacht Cup at the time, Castlebar Celtic on penalties.

[Closed Account]

Don't underestimate Westport. Proname suggested they don't have the pedigree of Castlebar Celtic, he couldn't be further from the truth. The most impressive aspect of this westport team is that 8 or 9 of them came throught the same underage teams. Players like Joe Lawless(only 20 years old but got voted into the Mayo League Team of the CENTURY, you can relate this to the quality of the player or the quality of the voting process, up to you) Dave Cameron, Dessie O'Malley, Gerry McLoughlin are all between 20 and 22 and make up the spine of the Team. They won the Mayo Super League last season and the Mayo Cup the Season before without seeming to try too hard. They have former Galway United players in Eoghan Gillen and Eoghen McHale(who has played every position in the side(F,LM,CM,LB,CB) but acclaimed rave reviews for his performance against Killester at CB. I believe he was a left winger for GU. Whereas Castlebar Celtic won the Connacht Cup 2 seasons ago always have the reputation of the "Manchester United" of Mayo soccer but never seem to deliver. Player for player they are nowhere near the quality of Westport. They seem to be building for the future. They played Glenview Stars last week and included teenagers like Ronan O'Boyle, Kieran Hopkins and Sean McHale. I agree that youth should be given the choice but I think Westport are a much better side. The youngest players in their side have played in 2 quater finals of the fai cup. Westport are by far the best side in Mayo, at least in the top 2 in connacht(still in the connacht cup) and hopefully will prove they are the best in Ireland.

[Closed Account]

Just gonna post the results on here every monday so I can keep track of them.
Newsworthy of these results(barely newsworthy mind)
Sleeping Giants Ballyglass beaten at home by Fahy who were only formed 5-6 years ago. Whereas Ballyglass are one of the main underage sides in Mayo and are seen as a feeder club to Galway United. All away victories in Div 1!

I'm tipping Crossmolina and Ballyglass to get promoted with Mulranny and Ballyvary to go down in Prem Div.

Westport U B and Urlaur to come up from Div 1 with Manulla B and Kilmore to go down.

And Snugboro United B to come up from Div 2A but I'm a bit biased in that opinion.

SUNDAY MARCH 13
WELCOME INN HOTEL PREM DIV RND 1 2.30
Ballyglass 0-2 Fahy Rvs
Castlebar Cl B 1-0 Achill Rvs
Conn Rgs 3-1 Mulranny U
Crossmolina 0-1 Ballinrobe Town
Killala 1-0 Ballyvary

WELCOME INN HOTEL DIV 1 ROUND 1 2.30
Glenisland U 0-2 Westport U B
Inver 1-2 Straide Fox B
Kilmore 0-2 Bangor Hibs
K'magh Knock 0-4 Claremorris
Urlaur U 1-3 Manulla B

WELCOME INN HOTEL DIV 2A ROUND 1 2.30
Ballina U -v- Conn Rgs B
Ballyvary B 3-3 Valley Rvs
Hollister 1-2 Ballyglass B
Lacken U -p- Clew Bay U

[Closed Account]

I'm actually not a big Westport fan. I'm following them because they are representing the league. I played against this group of players since u-11 community games 2 or 3 times a season. Technically they are all very comfortable on the ball(which can't be said for a lot of teams in Mayo) and have a lot of experience for their age. The players themselves are very confident because, and no offence to Carew, nobody round here had heard of them before this season and they feel if they can beat Pike, then why not Carew. I would say most footballing people in the county expect them to go all the way. Although I was confident that the Rugby team would win on Saturday and look how that turned out. Good Luck to both teams anyway. It's a great opportunity that might not come around again too soon.

[Closed Account]

here are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. Nothing important you understand. As columbo would say.

Westport are by far the best side in Mayo. Then it's Celtic and Erris (far) behind them but Westport play better football. On the ground, one touch. They don't like playing against long ball merchant(who does). Castlebar have a few young players coming through 18-19 but this Westport team is close to the finished article.

I noticed the paradox yesterday but hoped it wouldn't be spotted. I hang my head in shame.

[Ranger]

now that was more than a few years ago!!!! (mid 80's?) :eek:

[Closed Account]

Like myself, Ranger probably assumed that you were referring to Balla, a small "town" in Mayo who probably haven't had a soccer side since the mid 80's, Manulla would be the local side for that area now.

Whereas you were probably referring to Ballynanty(another assumption).

Of course I could be wrong?(Doesn't happen much!(Joke))

[Thunderblaster]

Like myself, Ranger probably assumed that you were referring to Balla, a small "town" in Mayo who probably haven't had a soccer side since the mid 80's, Manulla would be the local side for that area now.

Whereas you were probably referring to Ballynanty(another assumption).

Of course I could be wrong?(Doesn't happen much!(Joke))

Balla is what the Limerick soccer fans call Ballynanty. Balla in Mayo is still only a village. I don't remember Mayo County Council suddenly announcing that Balla is a town. I think that is up to the Minister of the Environment to re-classify a village to a town.

[Closed Account]

I didn't want to do this TB, but I don't like people suggesting I'm wrong! The reason I put the quotation marks next to town, was because in my opinion, i wouldn't rate balla as a town. One street. I have a lot of mates from Balla and they take offence to Balla being referred to as a village.

owns in County Mayo

* Balla - Balla
* Ballina - Béal an Átha or Béal Átha an Fheadha
* Ballycastle - Baile an Chaisil
* Ballyhaunis - Béal Átha hAmhnais
* Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
* Castlebar - Caisleán an Bharraigh
* Claremorris - Clár Chlainne Mhuiris
* Killala - Cill Ala
* Newport - Baile Uí Fhiacháin
* Tourmakeady - Tuar Mhic Éadaigh
* Westport - Cathair na Mart


Balla (Balla), a small town on the Castlebar-Claremorris road, owes its origin to a monastery established there in the seventh century by St. Cronan, alias Mochua. The site is marked by a round tower (10m) and a medieval altar. Patrick W. Nally (1856-1891), after whom the Nally Stand in Croke Park is called; was born at Rockstown House, near Balla. He organised two national athletic events in Balla which inter alia led to the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. There is a Celtic Cross to his memory in the town.

You'd want to update your Mayo County Council newsletter service.

[Thunderblaster]

Towns in County Mayo

* Balla - Balla
* Ballina - Béal an Átha or Béal Átha an Fheadha
* Ballycastle - Baile an Chaisil
* Ballyhaunis - Béal Átha hAmhnais
* Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
* Castlebar - Caisleán an Bharraigh
* Claremorris - Clár Chlainne Mhuiris
* Killala - Cill Ala
* Newport - Baile Uí Fhiacháin
* Tourmakeady - Tuar Mhic Éadaigh
* Westport - Cathair na Mart

Balla, Ballycastle, Killala, Newport and Tourmakeady should all be thrown out of that list and replaced with Swinford and Ballinrobe. Anyhow, all towns in Mayo would be seen as villages in England.

[Closed Account]

CONNACHT CUP ROUND 6 2pm
Gurteen 0-2 Westport U

ELVERYS SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 2 2.30
Castlebar Cel 1-1 Straide Foxford U
Erris U 1-3 Manulla
Glenhest Rvs 1-4 Ballyheane
Swinford 0-2 Ballina Town

WELCOME INN HOTEL PREM DIV RND 2 2.30
Achill Rvs 4-2 Killala
Ballinrobe Tn 0-3 Conn Rgs
Ballyvary 1-2 Crossmolina
Fahy Rvs 1-3 Castlebar Cel B
Mulranny U 1-1 Ballyglass

WELCOME INN HOTEL DIV 1 ROUND 2 12.00
Bangor Hibs 2-3 K'magh Knock
Claremorris 1-2 Glenisland U
Manulla B 4-1 Kilmore
Straide Fox B 3-3 Urlaur U
Westport U B 3-0 Inver

WELCOME INN HOTEL DIV 2A ROUND 1 2.30
Ballyglass B 0-1 Lacken U
Clew Bay U 1-1 Snugboro U B
Ballyvary B 2-2 Hollister
Valley Rvs 3-1 Ballina U

WELCOME INN HOTEL DIV 2B ROUND 1
Ballinrobe B 2-1 Ballyheane B
C'bar Cel C 1-0 Castlebar U
Charlestown 1-2 Moy Villa
Swinford B 4-2 Partry Ath

Well Done Westport. Erris and Celtic, Bad starts to the league. Manulla a suprise package this season? Glenhest and Swinford to go down? Bit premature to take any results into consideration.

Charlestown? Moy Villa?

Agree with you TB on the town front. Some of that list are a joke. Balla included.

And I didn't miss the point about worst case scenario travelling to Mayo. I took your comment out of context for the sake of a joke which obviously wasn't funny. I'll try harder in future.

[Thunderblaster]

Big turn around with Swinford B this season. Partry would have belted them last year.

[Closed Account]

Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro
United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United Snugboro United

Snugboro United and Mayo Junior soccer homepage
http://www.leaguerepublic.com/gen/Index.do?league=2992269

Sorry about this. Google are dragging their heals in adding the site to their search engine. Anytime i search for it i just get this page, so why not use it for a little redirection?

With regards Westport, I haven't heard anything. I'll have to wait for the local media on tuesday and wednesday. I'd agree with the prediction that this game is effectively the cup final, although I know very little about hibs and crystal(and carew for that matter) so I wouldn't read too much into my humble opinion. Westport will travel the night before. They've been very professional about preparation since the current management of Padraig Burns and Kevin Cusack took over the reins. Expensive yes but they are the only team in a fairly big town by Mayo Standards(compared to Castlebar and Ballina who have 3 each) and have very little difficulty in finding sponsors and doners. Interesting sidenote, their main shirt sponsors, Blousers pub, was the pub which featured in the Guinness ad "Now we've got something to talk about.... Kevin! Pint?"

Westport don't however have their own pitch, and all their sides from U-12 to U-18 and Junior(A and B at every level) all use the Westport Sports Park.(I could be wrong though, I've never played against them anywhere other than this venue). They are trying to buy a field just outside Westport on the main Castlebar-Westport road, where they will probably build a clubhouse and a couple of pitches, maybe even a stand and floodlights finance permitting.

[Thunderblaster]

Talking to a friend of mine from Westport, he was telling me that Westport fielded a weakened side against Gurteen Celtic on Sunday due to a few injuries, which the Mayomen won by two goals to nil. Some of the top players were out so it will be touch and go to see which card the Westport management will play on Sunday. At the moment, according to my mate from Westport, it is not very promising for Sunday.

[joe joe]

i dont think westport are by far the best team in mayo and dont rule out the"smaller" teams like manulla and straide and foxford causin and few shocks and b battlin for silverware come the end of the season and in reply to joe denilsons predictions how can u possibly believe that crossmolina and urlaur are goin to get promoted to the super and that manulla b r goin to get relegated from div 1? my predictions are
super league champions:westport
relegated:swinford and glenhest
premier division promoted conn rangers and ballinrobe
relegated;crossmolina and ballyvary
division one promoted:westport b and bangor hibs
relegated urlaur an kilmore
division 2a promoted snugboro b and ballyvaryb

[Thunderblaster]

"smaller" teams like manulla and straide and foxford

Manulla and S&F are no small Mayo sides and are generally well respected. Manulla were only in the Connacht Cup final last season and S&F United were the Super League winners in 2000 and got to the last 64 of the FAI Junior Cup in December. Nothing to be sniffed at. Both sides are capable of nicking results. :ball:

[joe joe]

Manulla and S&F are no small Mayo sides and are generally well respected. Manulla were only in the Connacht Cup final last season and S&F United were the Super League winners in 2000 and got to the last 64 of the FAI Junior Cup in December. Nothing to be sniffed at. Both sides are capable of nicking results. :ball:
i know they will def cause a few shocks especially s and f who now have andrew neary back from sligo rovers and johnny jordan playin brillant football in his new centre back role both themselves and manulla who would be serious challengers if only they had a potent strikeforce

[joe joe]

JOE,JOE

HOW DO YOU SEE WESTPORT FARING OUT THIS WEEKEND IN THE FAI ?
i can see them coming throgh this game with a win as they have beaten much better teams on route to this game hopefully there injury worries will be right as players like joe lawless and vinny o malley wud b a massive loss to any team

[Thunderblaster]

Just gonna post the results on here every monday so I can keep track of them.

Nothing posted this week. Already broken your pledge?

[Closed Account]

Statoil FAI Junior Cup
Carew Park 1-1 Westport United
Carew Park win 4-2 on Penalties

Elvery's Super League
27 March 2005 12pm
Ballina Town 0-0 Snugboro United
Ballyheane 2-0 Swinford
Straide & Foxford 2-1 Erris United

Hard Luck Westport, hopefully they'll go one or two steps further next season. Can't get a much harder draw next year. They might even get a few home games?

Swinford, struggling. Erris, struggling also. S&F and Ballyheane have had good starts. Hopefully they'll keep it up and someone outside of the top 3 keep the league interesting. Creditable draw for Snugboro away from home. Already out of the relegation zone which is the ambition for the club in it's first season in the Super League.

Anyone interested in buying a lottery ticket for the Snugboro United pitch development fund? €50. No harm in asking. The club played an A vs B game on the pitch last night. It's an impressive clubhouse and pitch and a tribute to the hard work the committee have put into the club since 1986.

First match will be played on the new pitch on Sunday.

[Thunderblaster]

Would you consider the Westaro Super Cup to be a mickey mouse cup for the major Super League teams, given the fact that they play the whole year round?

[Closed Account]

Westaro Super Cup
Eddie Conway Park 2.30pm
Snugboro United 3-2 Glenhest Rovers

For the smaller teams in The Super League, the Super Cup is a chance for silverware, e.g Ballyheane last year. Westport, Celtic and Erris don't seem to put as much into it. However it's only 3 games, possibly 4 depending on the draw you get it's well worth putting the effort in. Even for Snugboro today, we didn't treat today's game as importantly as we did the Ballina game a week previous. It'll be interesting to see how the Celtic-Westport game turns out. Haven't heard a score yet?
Anyone know it? Or have a small match report?

[Closed Account]

In a game of little chances Westport equalized in the last five minutes of normal time to bring the Celtic- Westport tie to extra time after a 1-1 final score. No score in Extra time. Went to penalties, and Westport lose 5-4 Ian McLoughlin missing his kick. Des O'Malley scored from the bench, D Cameron, V O'Malley and D Scahill all entered from the bench. Shows Westport weren't taking it too seriously

Other results
Manulla 6-1 Swinford
Ballyheane 3-1 S&F
Ballina Town 3-2 Erris
Snugboro 3-2 Glenhest

[Thunderblaster]

In a game of little chances Westport equalized in the last five minutes of normal time to bring the Celtic- Westport tie to extra time after a 1-1 final score. No score in Extra time. Went to penalties, and Westport lose 5-4 Ian McLoughlin missing his kick. Des O'Malley scored from the bench, D Cameron, V O'Malley and D Scahill all entered from the bench. Shows Westport weren't taking it too seriously

Heard that Westport should have won about 6-1 in normal time. There were little chances for Celtic alright apparently. I believe that it was value for money and the rumour was that several hundred spectators turned up for a meaningless fixture for both clubs. A friend told me that things supposed to have got a little intense at one point. Can anyone who was at the game confirm these stories?

[Closed Account]

I agree, I don't think they should of appealed. Carew took the right approach before the game getting clearance from Denis Cruise of the FAI the night of the semi final draw, and there was already a precedent in the case because Pike played two players cleared to play in the following round after being sent off. In future the FIFA rule of immediate suspension should be adheared to by the FAI. If anyone is in the wrong, it is the FAI for not enforcing the rule when it came in about a year ago. In fairness to Westport, they said they were appealing because they owed it to the town, the fans and most of all the players. Their case was rightly thrown out.

[Thunderblaster]

Rule 16

A player who receives a red card in an FAI Junior Cup tie will stand suspended for a minimum for one game in the next game in the competition if his team advances. If his team is eliminated from the competition he stands suspended for a minimum of one game in his next competitive game. A player sent from the field of play in a 1st team match shall not serve an automatic suspension in a reserve team match. Following receipt of a referees report the relevant disciplinary body may at their discretion extend the duration of the suspension and/or impose a fine. :ball:

Council May Alter Rules

The Council shall have the power to alter these (19) rules but in no case shall they do so until the final tie in any year has been played. :ball:

[Closed Account]

Vinny O'Malley got sent off against Carew, and then came on as a substitute against Castlebar Celtic, their next competitive match. He shouldn't of been allowed play.(Read the rules above, courtesy of Thunderblaster)

Why should Westport expect Carew to follow the rules if they ignore them aswell.
Good luck to Carew Park in the final. Although good luck to Waterford Crystal also. Whoever wins will fully deserve it.

If Mervue have their wits about them, they'll make sure Vinny O'Malley plays no part in this weekends Connacht Junior Cup quarter-final.

[Thunderblaster]

AIB MAYO LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP 2005


Sunday 24th April 2005



ROUND 1 (Excluding Super League Teams).



A Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ v Clew Bay Utd.


B Ballyvary Blue Bomb. ‘B’ v Hollister


C Ballyvary Blue Bombers v Straide & Foxford Utd. ‘B’


D Lacken Utd. v Killala
Winners - Bye

E Castlebar Celtic ‘C’ v Bangor Hibs.


F Ballina Utd. v Achill Rovers


G Snugboro Utd. ‘B’ v Swinford ‘B’


H Charlestown Athletic v Fahy Rovers
Winners - Bye

I Westport Utd. ‘B’ v Ballyheane ‘B’


J Claremorris v Ballinrobe Town


K Moy Villa v Ballyglass


L Inver Utd. ‘B’ v Ballyglass ‘B’


M Kilmore v Conn Rangers
Winners - Bye

N Urlaur Utd. v Valley Rovers


O Castlebar Celtic ‘B’ v Crossmolina
Winners - Bye

P Glenisland Utd. v Castlebar Utd.


Q Kiltimagh/Knock Utd. v Mulranny Utd.


R Partry Athletic v Manulla ‘B’





Weekend 21st/22nd May 2005

ROUND 2 (Entry of Super League Teams)


4 Teams to receive Byes excluding Super League Teams.



BYES: O, M, D, H



AA L v Q


AB E v P


AC 46 Swinford v K


AD 40 Westport Utd v R


AE 39 Castlebar Celtic v J


AF 45 Ballyheane v G


AG F v 43 Snugboro


AH A v 38 Glenhest Rov.


AI 44 Erris Utd. v 37 Ballina Town


AJ C v B



AK 42 Manulla v I

AL N v 41 Straide & Foxford

Predictions folks please?

[Closed Account]

Always a tough one to call! Division 1 sides making it to the final for the last two years. However the cream rose to the top eventually with Westport and Celtic winning in the end. Put my "reputation" on the line with Ballyheane my prediction to win outright this year. Ballyheane are Joedenilson's Lock of the week. Get your money on them. Of course I had Clan Royal in the National so my reputation can't get much lower at the moment.

[Closed Account]

Super League
Straide & Foxford 2-2 Snugboro United
Declan Tighe(2) Declan Shaw(2)

Unlucky Snugboro, played well, leading 2-1 five minutes to go, but uncharacteristically conceded from a header at a corner.

Division 2A
Snugboro United B 6-1 Hollister

Connacht Junior Cup
Westport United 0-2 Mervue United

[Closed Account]

Super League
Ballina Town 3-1 Glenhest
Manulla 2-4 Celtic

Premier Division
Ballyglass 1 0 Ballinrobe
Celtic B 2 1 Mulranny
Conn Rangers 3 0 Ballyvary
Crossmolina 5 1 Achill
Killala 2 0 Fahy

Division 1
Urlaur 1 1 Westport B

Division 2B
Ballyheane B 5 2 Swinford B

[Thunderblaster]

Do you think that Kevin Cassidy will get the Castlebar Celtic job? There has been a few names linked to the post and most of them have no affiliation to Castlebar. There was a rumour that Gerard Houllier was offered the post... :D

[Closed Account]

It's seems Gavin Dykes, ex Derry city and Finn Harps player-manager was at the Manulla-Castlebar Celtic game. It's looks like he'll also be getting paid in his position. Big Coup for Celtic, but you can't help but wonder what the crazy Dykes is thinking.

[Refs Pet]

It's seems Gavin Dykes, ex Derry city and Finn Harps player-manager was at the Manulla-Castlebar Celtic game. It's looks like he'll also be getting paid in his position. Big Coup for Celtic, but you can't help but wonder what the crazy Dykes is thinking.
I was at the manulla/celtic game and there was no sign of him nor any talk that he was there. If he does take over he has alot of work to do as Celtic are no great team. They had a good result against Manulla but Manulla are only a mid table side and the result did flatter Celtic a bit. I feel Ballyheane could be dark horses for the title this year they've got some good results so far.

[Closed Account]

I'll take your word for it, I wasn't at the game. But midwest said that someone was there, although i didn't hear the name they mentioned. Last night, the Celtic lads reckon that he's definately the new manager. Agree with the Ballyheane prediction, they've played well so far.

[OscarBravo]

Dykes was there. Saw him in the stand. Celtic were not bad at all considering they have no manager. Don't think Dykes has confirmed he is taking the job though. Something of a name from nowhere though after all the talk linking Kevin Cassidy with the job in last week's Connaught.
Believe Westport were outclassed on Sunday. Was anyone at it.
Westport or Celtic will win the league, no one else, can't see Ballyheane getting the goals to win it, Erris have started terribly. Ballina town will wilt when the pressure comes and experienced sides like S & F and Manulla don't have strong enough panels.

[Closed Account]

What! You didn't rate Snugboro United's chances!
Only joking, not even the most diehard of fans would believe they have a chance. Of winning it that is, they'll definately stay up.

[joe joe]

Dykes was there. Saw him in the stand. Celtic were not bad at all considering they have no manager. Don't think Dykes has confirmed he is taking the job though. Something of a name from nowhere though after all the talk linking Kevin Cassidy with the job in last week's Connaught.
Believe Westport were outclassed on Sunday. Was anyone at it.
Westport or Celtic will win the league, no one else, can't see Ballyheane getting the goals to win it, Erris have started terribly. Ballina town will wilt when the pressure comes and experienced sides like S & F and Manulla don't have strong enough panels.
this website is a joke.. full of losers who havent a clue bout mayo soccer.. u cant possibly say that its a two horse race already manulla and s and f have serious title credentials and whos the joker who said ballyheane could win the league they couldnt score in a whore house

[OscarBravo]

Your comment probably doesn't deserve a reply but anyway....
Manulla and S & F are capable sides but as I said they don't have the strength in depth to challenge. Last Sunday Manulla had to play Barry Cuffe and Mark Basquill as centre backs for most of the game, not an ideal situation. Cormac Jennigns was played up front even though he is nothin but a central midfielder. They have good players but not enough of them.
The same goes for S & F who had to play Denis McAlmont, a thirty-nine year old it well past it striker for the last two games and they have to play the best striker in Mayo, Johnny Jordan, at centre back because of lack of options there. And I did say that Ballyheane wouldn't score enough goals. Celtic and Westport are the only two teams to challenge consistently for the league over the past four years. Erris had two good years but are missing too many players now.
Celtic played and beat Manulla the last day without Sean Reilly, Declan Reilly, Keith Burke, Dara Ainsworth and Stevie Ryan and still won 6-3. Westport started without Brian Kennedy, Joe Kelly, Kevin Joyce, Colin Nevin and David Hoban, all serious players. That is strenght in depth.
So Joe Joe go back to the God forsaken hole that you just crawled out of unless you can substantiate your flawed comments.

[Closed Account]

Well said OscarBravo. I wasn't going to dignify joe joe's post with a response. The Ballyheane prediction was aimed at me. However I only ever said that they were my favourites for the Mayo League Cup following there Westaro victory last year and their strong start to the season. Should be a good game out in Snugboro this Sunday.

[Refs Pet]

Your comment probably doesn't deserve a reply but anyway....
Manulla and S & F are capable sides but as I said they don't have the strength in depth to challenge. Last Sunday Manulla had to play Barry Cuffe and Mark Basquill as centre backs for most of the game, not an ideal situation. Cormac Jennigns was played up front even though he is nothin but a central midfielder. They have good players but not enough of them.
The same goes for S & F who had to play Denis McAlmont, a thirty-nine year old it well past it striker for the last two games and they have to play the best striker in Mayo, Johnny Jordan, at centre back because of lack of options there. And I did say that Ballyheane wouldn't score enough goals. Celtic and Westport are the only two teams to challenge consistently for the league over the past four years. Erris had two good years but are missing too many players now.
Celtic played and beat Manulla the last day without Sean Reilly, Declan Reilly, Keith Burke, Dara Ainsworth and Stevie Ryan and still won 6-3. Westport started without Brian Kennedy, Joe Kelly, Kevin Joyce, Colin Nevin and David Hoban, all serious players. That is strenght in depth.
So Joe Joe go back to the God forsaken hole that you just crawled out of unless you can substantiate your flawed comments.
I agree with everything you said OscarBravo especially the last line. in relation to what u said bout the above teams i feel that Manulla will finish possibly 3rd or 4th as they have a very gud first 11 but the squad is the problem. there is gud players cumin through however but its a bit soon. S+F always seem to pull of a few shock every year but i dont feel they are near gud enough. To me Ballyheane have more attacking option this year with joey maloney the two maughans added to the usual campaigners this is why i feel they may surprise alot of people (My own opinion Joe Joe so no need to get your mouse working over time) Erris seem to be bringing in a lot of young players so i cant see them challenging for it but i'd expect a strong second half of the season from them. Westport and Celtic are the big two left and with westports long long season (we saw what happened manulla lst yr after the conn. cup) this could be celtic year but they're no team to fear. My prediction is Celtic to sneak it. their due it.

[joe joe]

first of all i havent been very quiet its the first time ive gotten to da computer unlike everyone here who seems to b on the computer 24/7 who cares if mc almont is 39 hes playin brillant football and obviously u havent seen how excellently jordan has been playin at the back goals havent been a problem for them so far and wit players like paul fitzpatrick and ger gaughan(who has had trials wit glasgow celtic) they have a potentially great strikeforce also manulla granted are missin somethin upfront but they can also call on the likes of gary durkan and kevin mannion to bolster their ranks and in tommy walsh they have the best young centre back around so oscar bravo before you go shootin ur mouth off again get a few of ur facts up to date...

[OscarBravo]

McAlmont ain't exactly producing the goods. Jordan would be class wherever you put him (I have seen him at centre back actually) but up front he is untouchable. Fitzpatrick and Gaughan have loads of ability but don't always deliver.
How can you say S & F are producing the goods, their only win was against an Erris side with two eyes firmly on the youths cup, they just about managed to draw with Snugboro at the weekend with a late Dec Tighe goal saving them. They drew with Celtic in the first round of the league after a Celtic performance which led their management to resign.
As for Manulla Gary Durkan is only average (anyone at the Celtic match on Sunday would testify to this) and Kevin mannion isn't even that. Agree that Tommy walsh is a class act but my point is Manulla's strenght in depth. They hadn't him on Sunday and then lost Ansboro. Then they had to rely on Cuffe and Basquill. I simply said they had lots of good players without naming them. Tommy Walsh was among that category. So is Kevin Ring, Dermot McNicholas, Ansboro and Malachy Byrne. But then there is a big drop. They have too many players who cannot step up to the Super League standard.
Do i detect either a Manulla or S & F bias in your arguments?

[joe joe]

no im not biased at all all i think is that other clubs bar celtic and westport deserve a bit of credit for their acheivment for places of such small populations like manulla and ballyvary too for dat matter i know dey had a hard year last year and prob dis year too but i feel dey deserve great credit for makin the super league irrespective of their poor showing in the league its team lke these that make mayo football alll the better..

[Thunderblaster]

Westport head, can you compose a little composition on Westport United and its players, and how you rate their chances for the coming season? Who are the key players? Who is the manager? What is their home ground like? :ball:

[OscarBravo]

JoeJoe, you are right in that Manulla etc deserve tremendous credit for their achievements and their set-up. But what we are talking about is who is going to win the Super League, not who is punching above their weight

[joe joe]

ok fair enough managed to get a glimpse of the ballyvary b match against ballyglass b last week and for two teams who are in the bottom divisions in mayo they were really suprising what i expected was two long ball teams but the game was anythin but full of great skill and excitement and two great goals by ballyvary b to win the game their two respective "a" teams could take alot from them......

[Thunderblaster]

Gavin Dykes confirmed as manager of Castlebar Celtic under a two year deal. Interesting times for the club. Celtic will surely build on that with the vast pool of underage talent coming through.