Roscommon Rivals Pose Significant Challenge to Mayo Club’s Final Aspirations
Ballina Stephenites will face a formidable challenge from Roscommon’s St. Brigid’s in the highly anticipated Connacht semi-final. This decisive match is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM in King & Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon. Both teams are vying for a place in the Connacht senior final.
Ballina Stephenites’ Recent Performance
Ballina has been on a strong run, having secured three consecutive Mayo titles. However, their performance in the Connacht championship has been inconsistent, failing to reach the final in both 2023 and 2024. Their recent quarter-final victory over North London Shamrocks ended with a score of 1-15 to 0-10, though the match was tricky due to poor weather conditions.
- Quarter-Final Result: Ballina Stephenites 1-15, North London Shamrocks 0-10
- Key Players: Frank Irwin, Mike Murray, and substitute Ben Thornton contributed notably with two-pointers.
Challenges Ahead for Ballina
Ballina enters the semi-final without key players such as Padraig O’Hora and Ciaran Boland. Despite their recent success, they must improve their overall performance to compete against St. Brigid’s, a team that has shown resilience and experience.
St. Brigid’s Record and Strengths
On the other hand, St. Brigid’s recently claimed their 19th county title, coming out on top against Padraig Pearses with a score of 1-16 to 1-12 in a replay after a draw in their first encounter. The team is well-prepared, boasting seasoned players and emerging talent.
- Recent County Title: St. Brigid’s 1-16, Padraig Pearses 1-12
- Key Figures: Conor Carroll, a goalkeeper, made crucial saves in the replay.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Senan Kilbride
- Ben O’Carroll
- Bobby Nugent
- Shane Cunnane
Key Matchups in the Midfield
The midfield battle between Ballina’s Mike Murray and Frank Irwin against St. Brigid’s duo will be critical. Ballina’s management acknowledges the need for a full 60-minute performance, elevating their play if they hope to defeat the Roscommon champions.
What Lies Ahead
The winner of this semi-final will advance to face either Moycullen or Leitrim Gaels, who are competing in the other semi-final. Both squads are bringing their best as they aim for the coveted Connacht senior title.
Ultimately, Ballina Stephenites will need to harness their recent successes and learn from their past shortcomings. The upcoming clash against St. Brigid’s promises to be a defining moment in their quest for glory.
