Mayo SFC: Claremorris and Mitchels in spotlight as round three clarity awaits

by Martin Carney, Mayo's foremost GAA columnist

FIRST used in France in 1792, the guillotine was considered a fast, humane and primary instrument of execution during their Reign of Terror.

In championship football, losing the opening round is, though not quite as surgical, metaphorically speaking inviting the guillotine on your season.

Ballina Stephenites, Ballaghaderreen and Balla discovered this over the weekend.

Coming in on the backs of respective losses to Garrymore, Knockmore and Castlebar Mitchels on opening day, they bid farewell to this year’s competition at the second round stage.

The clash of Castlebar Mitchels and Ballina Stephenites at a well attended Josie Munnelly Pitch on Friday evening was a classic game of two halves.

The visitors were the side with the swagger and intensity in the early stages and although playing into a strong wind (which, incidentally, abated after the interval), they performed like men on a mission: that of remaining in the championship and defending the crown they have held for the last three years.

Comfortable at the back and getting good displays from Mikey Murray and Frank Irwin in the middle, they deservedly built up a 1-6 to 0-6 lead after 25 minutes.

They had managed to play the game on their terms, partly due to a well-taken early goal from David Tighe.

Just as half-time loomed, however, Mitchels discovered the gear they had been searching in vain for up to then and finished with a brace of two pointers from James Durcan and Rory Byrne.

With the feel-good vibes still strong, many went along with the secondary purpose of seeing their county stars in action.

All made themselves available but perhaps in that opening period, with the exception of John MacMonagle and Patrick Durcan, the others, understandably, seemed slightly undercooked.

Still, there was always that feeling that one would break free in the second period, leave his imprint on the game, and guide his team onwards.

Cue, then, Bob Tuohy. Busy yet less than authoritative in the opening 30 minutes, he took matters by the scruff of the neck over the last 25 minutes and lit up the period with some great fielding and fine tackling, and unleashed that inexhaustible reservoir of energy he possesses.

His orange flag on 16 minutes gave Mitchels a lead they were not to relinquish, and with the evergreen Neil Douglas leaving his calling card with a goal and a point, Mitchels in the end ran out easy winners.

Garrymore did as expected in the other Group 2 game by downing Balla. Though the west Mayo outfit improved somewhat from their opening game, they were always fighting an uphill battle once Eoin McGreal’s goal gave Garry the foundation they needed.

For those of a certain vintage, Garrymore were, in times past, the team to beat in Mayo club football. Between 1970 and 1982, they contested nine senior club finals, winning six. That they haven’t reached a final since is hard to believe.

They will use this championship season, I’d imagine, as one for growth and renewal.

The presence of All-Ireland medal winners Enda Hession and Eoin McGreal in their ranks is sure to boost their confidence.

Though it might be a bit premature to suggest that something is stirring in the deep south, their path will be worth monitoring over the next few months.

Most observers expected a Crossmolina win in their Group 3 game with Aghamore.

That they only managed a draw was a surprise as, by all accounts, they were the dominant territorially and in many other aspects of play.

Stripping matters to the bone though, the fact is that Crossmolina were less than economical up front while their opponents, even short Fergal Boland, made much better use of their chances.

The contrast of a 75% to 33% return from shots at goals is proof that Aghamore were much more efficient.

Crossmolina’s cause, already hampered by the absence of Jordan Flynn and Kobe McDonald, wasn’t helped with the sending-off of Patrick Leddy.

Their final group game with Mayo Gaels offers them a chance to remedy the flaws apparent while it’s a winner-takes-all scenario in the clash between Ballintubber and Aghamore in the other match.

Claremorris have endured the accusation over the years that they haven’t harnessed to the full potential their wonderful underage harvest.

Last crowned champions in 1971, they have been consistently under-represented in the winners' enclosure.

If there was one result more than any other to catch the eye, it had to be Claremorris’ resounding victory over Westport.

Many people’s favourites for the title, the ‘Port will wonder how did managed to score six goals and 11 points and yet come out on the wrong side of the result. Answer: a Claremorris return of one goal and 28 points.

No matter how we look at it, this has to be classified as the game of the second round.

Considering they were without Darragh Beirne, what we got was a stirring performance and a resounding statement by Claremorris.

That their attack was still able to register 29 scores in Beirne's absence points to a unit that will take some stopping.

While the Hurley brothers registered one goal and 12 points between them and Cathal Joyce accounted for four orange flags, the attack as a unit gave a five-star display.

Manager Kevin Beirne knows better than anyone that conceding six goals could significantly sour the menu were it repeated, and it’s a sector that will need much remedial work before their final game with Charlestown.

I watched Breaffy put Belmullet to the sword. A well-attended game never rose to any great heights, and with Aidan O’Shea bossing matters both up front and in midfield, Breaffy were full value for their win.

O’Shea got great support from Davitt Neary and Matthew Ruane in particular, and with Daire Morrin keeping Ryan O’Donoghue on a tight rein, Belmullet never had the support cast to back up the maestro.

With Knockmore getting their season back on track with a good away win over Ballaghaderreen, all will hinge on the results of the last round as to who advances.

There is a possibility of three teams finishing level on four points each, but these scenarios will get coverage next week.

Watching club teams perform with All-Ireland medal winners in their ranks is one of the great privileges of this year’s competition.

In terms of results, Westport and Crossmolina dropping points came as a surprise, while Mitchels displaying the necessary form and consistency suggested a team on a mission.

Round three next weekend will provide clarity.