By Mark Higgins
The dates, times, and venues for the first round of the Mayo senior, intermediate, and exclusive junior football championships have been confirmed.
The 2022 club championships will begin on the weekend of September 3-4.
Round 1 of the Connacht Gold Senior Football Championship will begin in Cong on Saturday evening, September 3, as The Neale welcome Westport to St Feichin’s Park in Group 1. Throw-in is at 4pm.
Later that evening, Ballaghaderreen will host Ballina Stephenites in Group 2 at 6pm, while at the same time, Garrymore will host Davitts in a South Mayo derby in Group 4.
On Sunday, Knockmore will begin their campaign to claim a third Moclair Cup in succession as they host Aghamore at St Joseph’s Park at 2pm in Group 2.
On Sunday, Knockmore will begin their campaign to claim a third Moclair Cup in succession as they host Aghamore at St Joseph’s Park at 2pm in Group 2. Picture: INPHO/Evan Logan
Elsewhere at 2pm, Ballintubber welcome senior newcomers Mayo Gaels to Clogher in Group 1, Claremorris play host to Breaffy in Group 3, and Castlebar Mitchels entertain Charlestown at Munnelly Park in Group 4.
The first round of the senior championship concludes as Balla entertain last year’s beaten county finalists Belmullet at 4pm in Group 3.
The opening round of the Egan’s Jewellers Intermediate Football Championship will see Bonniconlon host North Mayo rivals Lahardane in Group 1.
Last year’s beaten county finalists Ballyhaunis play host to Castlebar Mitchels in Group 3 and Hollymount-Carramore make the trip to Gilmartin Park to face Kiltimagh in Group 4. All of those games have a 4pm throw-in on Saturday.
Later that evening, at 6pm, Ardnaree Sarsfields welcome Bohola Moy Davitts in Group 3, Kiltane begin their efforts to bounce back to senior at the first attempt as they entertain Burrishoole in Bangor Erris in Group 2, and reigning All-Ireland junior champions Kilmeena begin life as an intermediate club by hosting Kilmaine in Group 4.
On Sunday, Louisburgh host Crossmolina Deel Rovers in Group 1 at 4pm while at the same time Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin will make the trip south to take on Ballinrobe in Group 2.
Round 1 of the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre Exclusive Junior Championship throws-in at Robert McCallion Park in Swinford on Saturday afternoon as Swinford begin their attempt to go straight back up to intermediate by hosting Kilfian in Group 2 at 4pm.
Later that evening, at 6pm, Islandeady host Killala in Group 3 while at the same time, Eastern Gaels will welcome last year’s beaten finalists Cill Chomain to Brickens.
On Sunday afternoon, Moygownagh will host their North Mayo rivals Ballycastle in Group 1 at 1pm.
Both games in Group 4 are fixed for 2pm on Sunday, as Lacken welcome Shrule/Glencorrib and Tuar Mhic Eadaigh make the trip west to take on Achill.
The last game to throw-in in Round 1 of the junior championship will see Ardagh host Ballycroy in Group 2 at 3pm.
Kilmovee Shamrocks, who are in the three-team Group 3 alongside Islandeady and Killala, have a bye in the first round of the junior championship.
