In just the second weekend of senior club football across the county, this weekend already carries huge significance. We’ll run through each of this weekend’s fixtures ahead of a high-stakes round of action, where the Round 1 winners and losers face off against one another.
GROUP 1
St. Michael’s v Mountbellew/Moylough
Despite an excellent performance against Salthill/Knocknacarra from Barry McHugh, Mountbellew-Moylough will require additional help for their star attacker if they are to make any impression this year. St. Michael’s couldn’t reel in Oughterard following a strong start by their opponents but could welcome the likes of Gary Higgins back following suspension. It’s still is difficult to see past a more seasoned Mountbellew-Moylough here, especially if Eoin Finnerty features following a spell Down Under.
Prediction: Mountbellew/Moylough
Oughterard v Salthill/Knocknacarra
Despite missing Galway stars Rob Finnerty and Cathal Sweeney, Salthill/Knocknacarra got their season up and running with a fine win against Mountbellew/Moylough, where they had nine different scorers and Daniel O’Flaherty and John Maher led the charge. Oughterard, led by the scoring prowess of Cian Monaghan and Matthew Tierney, used the elements to good effect to win from the front against Michael’s. This is a step up in class, and the big question is: do they have the required number of man-markers to shut down a stacked opposition attack?
Prediction: Salthill/Knocknacarra
GROUP 2
St. James’ v Bearna na Forbacha
The Jimmies were pipped at the post by Killannin on the opening day, while Bearna na Forbacha were on the receiving end of a chastening 16-point hiding by neighbours Maigh Cuilinn. They will likely still be without key player Cian Hernon, and their paltry tally of eight points in Round 1 already suggests that anything outside of relegation could be considered a successful year. For St. James’, they’ll be disappointed to have let a nine-point lead slip but should get their season back on track.
Prediction: St. James’
Maigh Cuilinn v Killannin
Killannin can take a huge amount of encouragement from the battling qualities showcased against James’. Dara Walsh was one of the standout players across the championship with 10 points. It will be difficult to replicate that form against a miserly Maigh Cuilinn defence, however. Both Niall Walsh and Dessie Conneely had their shooting boots on for Cathal Clancy’s charges. Peter Cooke didn’t feature last time out, and former Offaly star Johnny Moloney only came on as a sub. Maigh Cuilinn won’t get it easy but should still prevail.
Prediction: Maigh Cuilinn
GROUP 3
Annaghdown v Claregalway
Annaghdown found the going tough against Dunmore and acutely felt the absence of Damien Comer in their 12-point defeat. Claregalway gave Tuam a real scare in the other group game and kept the Stars honest right up to the final whistle. Galway netminder Conor Flaherty was impressive at midfield, as was Padraic Commins. Outside of flashes from Diarmuid Kilcommins, Annaghdown could take very few positives from their disappointing opener. Morale in Claregalway will be higher, and they should get their season up and running with a win over the neighbours.
Prediction: Claregalway
Tuam Stars v Dunmore MacHales
The headline game of the weekend. Dunmore MacHales seem to improve with each passing season, and their 3-19 tally against Annaghdown was impressive, with Shane McGrath and the Costellos, Colm and Padraic, the pick of the bunch in their championship opener. Tuam, however, had a much tougher test and still won without Brian Mannion or Jamie Murphy truly catching fire. The hugely talented midfielder Shay McGlinchey also enjoyed an impressive cameo as a half-time sub following injury. Tuam’s greater senior experience sees them get a tentative nod here.
Prediction: Tuam Stars
GROUP 4
Monivea-Abbey v Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir
Monivea-Abbey weren’t the first and certainly won’t be the last to suffer at the hands of Corofin in the championship. Glenn Kelly is an excellent attacker and, with Cillian McDaid in their ranks, Bunt Roche’s men will go into this one with an optimistic mindset. Naomh Anna didn’t replicate their league performances in Round 1, and late goals perhaps flattered them in their defeat to Milltown. This is a potential banana skin, and the men from the west will be beaten if they can’t improve upon their previous outing. Expect they will, though.
Prediction: Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir
Corofin v Milltown
A repeat of the 2023 county semi-final and, like on that occasion, few - if any - will be predicting a Milltown upset. Corofin had 10 different scorers when overcoming Monivea-Abbey and, though they might not find it as straightforward, they are expected to take care of business with the minimum of fuss. The evergreen Milltown attacking duo of Mike Martin and Mark Hehir combined for 1-10 in their opener. That tally won’t be so easily sourced against Liam Silke, Dylan McHugh and company.
Prediction: Corofin
