St Molaise Gaels host St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon in Group Two of the Belfry Senior Championship at Monsignor Hynes Park, with both sides knowing that a win would put them in pole position to reach the knockout stages of the championship.

Both sides have a win each after their opening game of the campaign against the group’s other team, Coolera/Strandhill, with St Molaise Gaels’ win in the second round particularly impressive.

The north Sligo men were behind for a large portion of the tie, but showed real resolve to come back and snatch the points, and this was all the more impressive given it was away from home.

At one stage they found themselves six points in arrears, but an impressive revival spearheaded by substitute Conor Watters, who netted, and Alan McLoughlin, who scored two late points, showed that St Molaise Gaels have players capable of making a real impact at this level.

St Mary’s will take note of this result, no doubt, and will be ready for a huge task to get a result on the road. While they are regarded as one of the real contenders for honours come the end of the season, the Ballydoogan-based side will know that getting out of what is a tricky group is first priority before any talk of title ambitions is entertained and this is another step on that road.

The huge influx of underage talent from their recent dominance at minor level in particular – they have won the last four Minor ‘A’ Championship titles – means this is a youthful St Mary’s side, but it also possesses some experienced heads.

Mark Breheny and Stephen Coen remain the chief score-getters, while Cian Breheny has become one of the stars of this youthful St Mary’s side.

Given their appearance in two of the last three county finals, St Mary’s, on that basis, should overcome St Molaise Gaels, but hopes will be high within the home camp that they could cause another shock.  

Geevagh v Tubbercurry

Saturday at 7pm in Geevagh Community Park

Reigning champions Tubbercurry travel to take on Geevagh in round three of the Belfry Senior Championship looking to get their campaign back on track following a surprise loss to Coolaney/Mullinabreena in their opening round fixture.

The south Sligo side know that a win here is absolutely vital in terms of qualification from the group, while Geevagh are also itching to get their points tally off the ground after they were comprehensively beaten in their opening round game.

Both sides possess a real attacking threat, which could mean that this is a free scoring encounter.

Sligo’s Pat Hughes, who played so well for the county at full-forward, is likely to be utilised around the middle third for Geevagh with Kenneth Sweeney, if fully fit, carrying the scoring mantle for the Division Two outfit. Others likely to play an influential role include David O’Reilly and Pat Cawley.

Tubbercurry’s title-winning campaign in 2014 showed just what a fantastic squad is at the disposal of manager Willie Gormley. Finalists in 2013 and champions in 2014, Tubbercurry are without doubt one of the favourites for honours again this year, and there is no doubt that the hunger for further success remains – this is illustrated by their position at the summit of Division One at present.

Quality players occupy positions all over the park for Tubbercurry with Stephen Gilmartin, David Kelly and Dermot Walsh among those expected to feature heavily throughout the campaign.

Tubbercurry will be hot favourites for this game, and that is to be expected, but Geevagh will - particularly if those who missed their last outing return to the blue and white - put in a good showing. Both sides will be desperate to win this tie, and it should make for a cracking encounter. 

Eastern Harps v Tourlestrane

Sunday at 6.30pm (Note change of time) in Fr. Kevin Brehony Park, Keash

Sunday’s game in group three of the Belfry Senior Championship brings together two of the most illustrious teams in the competition since the turn of the millennium with Eastern Harps hosting Tourlestrane at Fr Kevin Brehony Park in Keash.

Both clubs have eight titles between them since 2000, and although they may not be as strong as they once were they will both believe a championship title is within their grasp this year.

Eastern Harps’ loss to Drumcliffe/Rosses Point was a mild surprise in the last round, and that has thrown the group wide open in terms of who will claim the top two spots.

Therefore, expect Eastern Harps to be highly motivated to secure a win here in what is their first home championship game, and at home, they will be a match for anyone in the competition.

Although they flirted with relegation last year, the home side still have players capable of producing top-class displays, with Ross Donovan an example of the high calibre of players available to the east Sligo side.

Tourlestrane too have a huge depth in their squad, and will be there or thereabouts once again this year.

Former Mayo footballer Pat Harte is a key player for Ray Dempsey’s side, while Stephen Henry and Cathal Henry form a dynamic midfield partnership.

Up front, Brian Egan can do damage from play and from frees, but he, along with his forward colleagues, are likely to find it difficult to break down what will be a strong defensive effort from Eastern Harps.

Sunday’s clash has a 6.30pm throw-in time.  

Calry/St. Joseph's v St. John's

Sunday at 1pm in Hazelwood

Calry/St Joseph’s host St John’s on Sunday afternoon at 1pm in Hazelwood in what is a vital game in group one of the Belfry Senior Championship.

Both sides have lost to Curry in their only games to date, so a win for either side in this encounter would put a real structure on the group with the winner in the driving seat to secure a quarter-final berth, and the loser facing into a battle to avoid the relegation playoffs.

The home side are back in senior for the first time in a number of years, and have proven to be stubborn opposition on their return to the top flight. They’ve secured some notable results in their Division One league campaign and caused Curry problems at times in their only championship outing to date, despite eventually losing out by seven points (2-15, 1-11).

Conor Griffin will be the focal point of their attack, while Darragh Cummins, along with Damien O’Boyle, will be a more than useful figure around the middle third.

St John’s season has been somewhat disappointing to date, following their run to the semi-final stage of the championship last year.

Bottom of the Division One league, and currently pointless in the championship, a win here would be a huge boost to their 2015 campaign.

They only lost by three points against Curry in their opening group game, and in recent years have been one of the stronger teams in the senior grade. Whether they can recreate that form in 2015 is another question, but with players like Shane Stenson, Conor Kerins and Eoin Flanagan in their ranks, St John’s could yet be a force this year.

This Sligo town derby is likely to be fiercely competitive, and a draw could be on the cards.