We have to start with soccer, Castlebar Celtic, the great Celtic take on Moyne Villa of Headford and Galway in the Final of the Connacht Cup. For the benefit of our non-national readers, this is the pinnacle of the game of soccer in Connacht. Won by great sides like Galway Bohs, Mervue, and Salthill Devon in Galway and Westport Utd and Celtic themselves have won the competition. But it has been a very long time and Celtic are attempting to be the first side since 1989 from Mayo to win the competition. Last year they made the final only to be denied by Mervue. This time they face a side that in previous rounds had knocked out great sides like Calry Bohs of Sligo amongst others. It is not going to be easy, but Celtic are perfectly able to take this and will be slight favourites.

Which brings me to Ballinrobe; they are involved in their first rugby final since 1991. They have a very tough proposition against Buccaneers who will be the hottest favourites in years to win this one. But let me assure you that will not be the case. In fact I would go so far to say that Ballinrobe can win this one, and shock junior Rugby to its foundations. At least I hope so.

Gaelic games continue with the latest games in the county senior and intermediate championships and I must not forget Kilmeena who are in the all Ireland Junior Final as well on Saturday. The athletics season for the track continues in Claremorris with the underage championships and show jumping continues with the national league around the country. Oh, and before I forget, keep an eye out for motor racing star Paul Sammin from Louisburgh. He is riding high in the formula Ireland Category at the mo and there are plenty of young drivers doing well in the different rallies around the place. I think that sums up what is happening but as always you can be kept up to date with all the news by checking the local news websites. And for live reports check out www.mnwr.ie or www.crcfm.com. The CRC website is currently being rebuilt I believe but will be back online very soon. The papers have always the up to date information so keep an eye on www.westernpeople.ie, www.con-telegraph.ie or www.mayonews.ie

And we here at www.castlebar.ie will have all the news and action from the final next week. So have a good weekend!