Stakes start to rise for Connacht Gold SFC teams as Fresh Today Junior A Championship kicks off

Round two of the Connacht Gold Leitrim SFC, the remainder of the first round of the Smith Monumentals IFC and the first round of the Fresh Today Junior A Championships takes place this weekend with all clubs in the county finally seeing championship action this season.

The second round will make the picture a little bit clearer in the senior grade, revealing who is on course to make the playoffs and who has to start looking over their shoulders at a possible relegation series. We take a quick look at this weekend's action.

CONNACHT GOLD SFC

Mohill v Gortletteragh: A tasty derby in store and one, if the formbook can be trusted, should see an easy win for the champions who blew past Dromahair without much trouble. Their immense scoring power will be hard for Gortletteragh to resist. Yet Gortletteragh will go in with a good deal of hope - Gortletteragh missed a penalty and wasted a few chances against Manor and will feel they should have taken the victory here. Traditionally, they have not stood back from Mohill and while they will give it everything, you've got to think the champions will win this one.

Glencar Manorhamilton v Leitrim Gaels: A win here is essential for both teams as they let wins slip from their grasp last  weekend. Leitrim Gaels won an arm wrestle last year in Boggaun and while they are down a few players, the home side won't have Barry McNulty either. This is really too tight, wouldn't be surprised if it ended in a draw.

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v Fenagh St Caillins: A win for Ballinamore could see them almost in the playoffs, a loss for Fenagh leaves them battling against relegation. Hard to know who will emerge here as neither was hugely convincing in the first round - home advantage will help Ballinamore but if they can cut out on the costly wides, Fenagh might just take this one. 

MICKEY GRAHAM SET TO TAKE THE LEITRIM REINS

Annaduff v St Patrick’s Dromahair: Both will see this game as a chance to push to avoid the relegation battle. Not a lot to choose between the teams but the formbook points towards a win for Annaduff, particularly if they can provide Darren Cox with enough possession.

St Mary’s  v Aughawillan: Another game that many think will be a formality but Aughawillan revel in upsetting the odds and they always feel they have a chance against St Mary's. But the Carrick men have moved on quite a bit in recent years and they should take a victory here.

SMITH MONUMENTALS IFC

Drumkeerin v Aughnasheelin: League form suggests a win for the home team here with Drumkeerin winning by six points earlier this year but Aughnasheelin are doughty performers. Inconsistency cost Drumkeerin last year - if they can start with a win here, they'll be tough opponents.

Carrigallen v Ballinaglera: Heard a few people suggest over the weekend that Ballinaglera are dark horses for the Intermediate title this year but truth be told, they nearly always are. Carrigallen endured a torrid time in Division 1 but if they can learn from that, it might be just enough to get them across the line in this one.

FRESH TODAY JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP

Gortletteragh v Bornacoola: On paper this should be an easy one for Bornacoola but their neighbours won the Reserve Division 2. However, reports suggest they are struggling for numbers and that could come home to haunt them - the Bors to get up and running with a win.

Eslin v Cloone: Eslin have  a tradition of upsetting the odds that it feels almost foolish to tip against them but Cloone may just have too many resources for them on this occasion. Cloone had a big win in the League over Eslin, it will probably be closer here but Cloone should edge it. 

REPORT: BALLINAMORE FINISH STRONG TO SEE OFF LEITRIM GAELS

Glencar Manorhamilton v Melvin Gaels: A north Leitrim derby that will draw a crowd but hard to know where either of these teams are. Glencar Manor probably have the greater pick but Melvin Gaels are always stubborn opponents. Wouldn't be surprised with a draw but we'll go for a home win here 

Glenfarne Kiltyclogher v Annaduff: Annaduff's second string will have a nice mix of youth and experience. Glenfarne Kiltyclogher  probably feel they left the Junior title behind them last year, and with good cause, but they've also lost a few players. The League didn't go well for them with just one draw from seven outings - they can always be relied upon to up it for the championship, they get the dreaded nod here.