By Eanna O’Reilly

AN Cheathrú Rua’s footballers line out in the Connacht Junior championship final at Tuam Stadium (1:30pm) on Saturday in what promises to be a huge occasion for the Connemara club.

Facing them will be the Sligo champions, Ballymote Round Towers, who will undoubtedly provide stiff opposition to An Cheathrú Rua. With provincial silverware on the line, a full-bloodied contest can be anticipated on Saturday.

An Cheathrú Rua have been in excellent form this season, under the management of Mághnus Breathnach. The Spiddal native has steered them through an unbeaten championship run, which has now stretched to eight consecutive victories.

They began their championship campaign in late July,with a five point win over Fr Griffins-Éire Óg. Round two saw them defeat Clonbur by 3-8 to 1-10. An Cheathrú Rua then overcame Carna-Caiseal by a ten point margin to make it three wins from three.

Breathnach’s charges subsequently overcame Renvyle by 1-18 to 2-6, before they once again defeated Carna-Caiseal in the West board final, running out 12 point winners to take the title. An epic encounter against Killererin followed at Tuam Stadium in October, in which the Connemara men came out on top in a thrilling extra-time battle on a 2-11 to 0-14 scoreline.

An Cheathrú Rua subsequently defeated Salthill-Knocknacarra in the county final by 1-8 to 0-6 to advance to the provincial series with promotion under their belts. Having booked their passage into the intermediate championship for 2025, An Cheathrú Rua were in bonus territory when taking on Mayo champions Kilcommon in the Connacht semi-final.

A tremendous second half performance saw Breathnach’s charges outscore their Mayo opponents by 1-7 to 0-2 to run out comprehensive seven point winners. That victory set up the Connemara club for a provincial final showdown with Sligo’s Ballymote.

An Cheathrú Rua have a strong and talented side, with many individuals performing impressively throughout the season so far. James Ó’Flatharta is a very solid ‘keeper, while the likes of Myles Mac Donnacha, Ethan De Paor, and Iarfhlaith Ó Conchubhair are excellent defenders who give little away.

Pictured: Fergal Ó Sé of An Cheathrú Rua on the ball against Kilcommon’s Seamus Mason in the Connacht Club Junior football semi-final. The Connemara men face Ballymote Round Towers in Saturday’s provincial final at Tuam Stadium.