Title up for grabs in wide open Connacht Gold Senior Club Championship

Many may still consider that a big four or five exists in the Connacht Gold SFC but it is hard to escape the feeling that this year's battle for the Fenagh Cup may just be one of the most open and exciting in recent years.

Friday's repeat of last year's epic  final between defending champions Mohill and Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins gets the 2025 competition off to a blistering start and in a reduced eight team competition, the margin for error has closed significantly.

They may still play four games but the task this year will be much tougher with some of the weaker teams not in the Senior grade and that increases the risk of what a heavy defeat might do to a team's chances.

One  intriguing factor to the draw means that teams drawn at home in the first round cannot face each other in the second round. It also leaves Fenagh St Caillins, one of the  favourites, with an increased likelihood of facing one of  Leitrim Gaels, Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins and St Mary's Kiltoghert in round 2.

Below, we take a brief look at the weekend's games:

CONNACHT GOLD SFC

Mohill v Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins: With injuries and absentees, Mohill have been struggling for form this year while Ballinamore, even without Tom Prior & Paul Honeyman, are building up steam nicely. Mohill are getting some players back and you can never  truly write them off but it will be interesting to see how they get on without their spiritual leader in Shane Quinn. Ballinamore are building nicely and quietly and they should take the verdict here.

CLOONE TO HOST 2024 CONNACHT GOLD LEITRIM SFC FINAL REPEAT ON FRIDAY

Melvin Gaels v Leitrim Gaels: When these two met in the League, Leitrim had 14 points to spare but the Kinlough men, who lost some key players from last year, appear to be finding a bit of form and they'll be hard beaten on their own turf. Yet you have to think Leitrim Gaels have too much power here, the addition of the three Jones brothers significantly boosting their cause.

Fenagh St Caillins v Aughawillan: Fenagh had just six points to spare over Aughawillan in the league, even at home but the Willies showed great spirit in holding onto their Division 1 status without Pearce Dolan and Mark Plunkett. The Willies will cause problems but you've got to expect St Caillins, even with extra time from the League final in their legs, to have too much scoring power and if Oisin McLoughlin cuts loose, they could run up the sort of total that Aughawillan can't match.

Glencar Manorhamilton v St Mary’s Kiltoghert: The form guide would say the newly crowned League champions will be too strong for Glencar Manorhamilton, particularly if Barry McNulty is not back in the country. The timing of his arrival back could have a significant impact on Manor's chances and they'll be anxious to test Mary's. The Carrick men had quite a few walking wounded last Saturday but the resolve they showed suggests they won't be easily blown off course and should take the win on Saturday.

SMITH MONUMENTALS IFC

Allen Gaels v Gortletteragh: Hard to keep the favourites tag from Allen Gaels at the moment, particularly after the way they cruised to the Division 2 League crown last Friday  and new boy Kieran Kilcline looks a great addition to an already potent forward line and the return of Thomas Mulvey is another plus. The Drumshanbo men have crushed everyone in the League last year and the memory of last year's Final loss is driving them on. Gortletteragh have been up and down in the league but the formbook suggests a win for Allen Gaels.

Carrigallen v Annaduff: Annaduff will be hot favourites in this one and maybe potential champions but they have reason to be wary as Carrigallen's only win in the League came against Annaduff, a loss that stopped Annaduff from gaining promotion. That alone should be enough to keep Annaduff on edge but if they have Darren Cox in good form, Annaduff look to have the scoring power for a Carrigallen side who had a significant negative scoring difference in the League.

Bornacoola v St Mary’s Kiltoghert: If Bornacoola are to make an impact in the intermediate grade, last year's Junior champions need to beat St Mary's second string - that won't be easy as the Carrick men won the Reserve Division 1 title and have quite a few young players biting at the bit to impress their Senior management. Bornacoola's league form was not great but we don't know who Mary's will have - another game that is too close to call.

FRESH TODAY JUNIOR A

Glencar Manor v Glenfarne Kilty: Always a tight one this game, you'd expect Glenfarne to have the edge here but Manor's second string is strong - don't rule out a draw.

Aughavas v Aughnasheelin: On paper, this looks like an Aughavas win given they will play Division 1 football next year. Aughnasheelin can cause a surprise and Aughavas suffered a heavy loss against Allen Gaels - too close to call.

Eslin v Drumreilly: These two fought out a high scoring draw in the final round of the League so this could go either way but Eslin may just have a slight edge.

BIG TWO TO SET THE PACE IN SWEENEY OIL LGFA SFC

The Sweeney Oil LGFA Club Championship also gets underway on Sunday with Glencar Manorhamilton and St Joseph's looking a bit ahead of the pack in the Senior grade.

Intriguingly, the first round sees both champions Glencar Manor and St Joseph's face teams they beat well in last Sunday's League Semi-Finals. The north Leitrim women had 15 points to spare over Kiltubrid while Joe's demolished St Mary's 9-20 to 4-7, leaving both heavy favourites to repeat their wins.

The closest game may come in  Drumshanbo where St Francis host Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins. Ballinamore edged last year's Intermediate winners 0-15 to 1-11 in the relegation final and a win here would be a big statement for the rest of the year - I'd expect O'Heslins to edge the verdict once more.  

In the Intermediate grade, there are some intriguing games with St Brigid's and Dromahair a potential big battle while new League winners Mohill (Div 2) and Fenagh (Div 3) looks like a game that Mohill have an edge in.

In the Junior grade, Annaduff should have too much for St Mary's second string but it may be closer than people think with the same going for Keeldra Gaels who visit Dromahair. Melvin Gaels host Leitrim Gaels in the final game and you'd expect the south Leitrim side to prevail in this one.