Shrule vs Northern Gaels (WP)

Shrule Glencorrib 5-14

Northern Gaels 1-15

Eoin Horkan 

Shrule 

A hat-trick from Stephen Heneghan helped propel Shrule into the Junior A county semi-final as they overcame Northern Gaels in a high-scoring quarter-final on Sunday afternoon.

The Shrule inside line proved particularly effective throughout, while their ability to make the most of the strong breeze in the opening half laid the foundations for a comprehensive victory.

Shrule settled quickest and were on the scoreboard within minutes of the throw-in when Luke Lydon broke through to open their account.

Evan Cawley then produced an outstanding two-point effort before Shrule had stretched their early advantage to four points.

Northern Gaels responded in style when a long ball into the full-forward line eventually found Ruairí McDonnell, who finished to the corner of the net to give the visitors a foothold in the contest.

Cawley soon restored the Shrule advantage with another well-struck effort, making excellent use of the breeze.

Lydon added another before Heneghan got on the scoresheet as the Shrule forwards continued to trouble the Northern Gaels defence.

James Forde kept the visitors in touch with a long-range free, but the home side  were beginning to find gaps and Heneghan duly punished them when he finished off a flowing team move to raise the first green flag of the afternoon.

Cawley continued to be accurate from placed balls, while Forde was doing his best to keep Northern Gaels within striking distance with another well-taken free from out wide.

The closing stages of the first half saw Shrule pull clear.

Heneghan struck for his second goal before Lydon followed with another major, leaving the home side firmly in control.

Northern Gaels did manage to stem the tide with a point from Marc Munnelly but Cawley had the final say before the interval with another placed ball.

Shrule went into the break holding a ten-point advantage.

Northern Gaels needed a strong start to the second half, but it was Shrule who struck the crucial blow.

Corner-back Joe Hughes surged forward and, finding himself in plenty of space, unleashed a powerful effort from around twenty  yards which flew into the back of the net.

The visitors responded positively and began to put pressure on the Shrule defence.  It was Tommy Clarke opened their second-half account before Munnelly added two more two  pointers  in quick succession.

Shrule introduced fresh legs from the bench and Nathan McGhee made an immediate impact, raising another white flag.

Clarke then produced another fine score from distance, this time from play, as Northern Gaels continued to search for a way back into the contest.

But any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished by Heneghan.

The Shrule corner forward produced the outstanding individual moment of the afternoon, embarking on a mazy run through a number of challenges before calmly slotting the ball beyond the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick.

From there, Shrule saw the game out in convincing fashion.

Lydon, Heneghan and Cawley all added further points before Northern Gaels midfielder Owen Loughney had the final say on the scoreboard.

It was ultimately a comfortable afternoon for Shrule, who finished with an impressive five fourteen. 

The result sees Shrule progress to the Junior A county semi-final in two weeks' time, with their potent inside line once again proving a major asset.

Heneghan's three-goal contribution, supported by the scoring exploits of Lydon and Cawley, provided the platform for Shrule to advance and keep their county championship ambitions firmly on track.

Scorers Shrule/Glencorrib: Stephen Heneghan 3-2 (1f), Evan Cawley(0-8) (1 2ptf 1 2pt 4fs), Luke Lydon (1-3),Nathan McGhee 0-1

Northern Gaels James Forde 0-3 (1 2 ptf 1 f), Marc Munnelly 0-5 ( 2 2 ptfs,1f),Ruairí McDonnell 1-1 (1f),Tommy Clarke 0-4 (2 2 ptfs),Owen Loughney 0-2 (1 2pt).

Shrule/Glencorrib:John Murray;Joe Hughes,Joe Flood,TJ Canavan;Johnny Naughton,Luke Lydon,James O’Dowd;Shane Mellett,Conor Bohan;Liam Higgins,Paddy Reilly,Garvan Hyland;Evan Cawley,Colin Gibbons,Stephen Heneghan.

Subs Used: Nathan McGhee (for Hyland),Noel Sheridan (for Higgins),John Sheridan (for Canavan),Eoghan Hennelly (for Reilly),Cormac Garvey (for Bohan).

Northern Gaels:Daire Devins;Fergal McHale,Conor McHale,Shane Loughney;Mark McDonnell,Daniel Coleman,Kieran Loughney;Owen Loughney,Craig McCormack;James Forde,Tommy Clarke,Ronan Murphy;Ruairí McDonnell,Cathal Boland,Marc Munnelly.

Subs Used:Liam Ruddy (for Coleman).

Referee:John Finn

Shrule vs Northern Gaels (CT)

 Shrule Glencorrib 5-14

Northern Gaels.1-15

Eoin Horkan 

Shrule 

A superb hat-trick from Stephen Heneghan, split either side of half-time, proved the major difference  as Shrule booked their place in the Junior A county semi-final following an entertaining quarter-final victory on Sunday afternoon.

Home advantage, coupled with a strong breeze, played a significant role as Shrule made the most of their conditions from the outset. They were ahead within minutes of the throw-in when Luke Lydon broke through the Northern Gaels defence before calmly sending the ball over the bar.

Shrule quickly doubled their advantage and then extended it to four points by the seventh minute, with Evan Cawley producing an outstanding two-pointer into the breeze.

Their opponents  responded immediately. A well-delivered ball into the inside line eventually found Ruairí McDonnell, who made no mistake from close range as he fired into the corner of the net to leave just the minimum between the sides.

Cawley restored Shrule's advantage shortly afterwards, once again judging the wind perfectly to send over his second score of the afternoon.

The home side's inside forwards were proving particularly troublesome, with Lydon adding another point before Heneghan got in on the scoring act. Northern Gaels managed to steady themselves, James Forde showing his accuracy from distance with a long-range free.

Shrule then struck for the game's second goal. A flowing team move opened up the Gaels defence and Heneghan was on hand to apply the finishing touch, giving the corner forward his first goal of the afternoon.

Cawley continued to punish Northern Gaels from placed balls, while Forde was doing his best to keep the visitors in touch, finding the target from another difficult angle.

The closing stages of the half belonged to Shrule. Heneghan added a second goal to his personal tally before Lydon found the net soon afterwards.

A free from Marc Munnelly helped stem the Shrule tide, but Cawley had the final say before the interval, converting another placed ball to leave the home side ten points clear at the break.

With the wind now at their backs, Shrule appeared to have put the contest beyond Northern Gaels' reach almost immediately after the restart.

Corner-back Joe Hughes ventured forward and, finding himself in an advanced position, unleashed a powerful effort from around twenty one yards which flew into the back of the net.

The  Gaels, however, refused to surrender the contest. Clarke opened their second-half account with an early point before Munnelly followed with two scores in quick succession as the visitors began to chip away at the deficit.

Shrule responded by making changes from the bench and Nathan McGhee made an immediate impact, raising a white flag to settle the home nerves.

Clarke then added another impressive score from distance, this time from play, briefly giving Northern Gaels hope of setting up a grandstand finish.

Those hopes were extinguished soon afterwards.

Heneghan produced the moment of the match, embarking on a mazy run through the Northern Gaels defence before slipping the ball beyond the goalkeeper to complete a memorable hat-trick and put Shrule firmly in control once again.

The home side added three further points through Lydon, Heneghan and Cawley before Northern Gaels midfielder Owen Loughney had the final word on the scoreboard.

It was ultimately too little, too late for the north Mayo outfit as Shrule comfortably saw out the remainder to secure their place in the county semi-final in two weeks' time.

While there were plenty of positives for Shrule throughout the afternoon, their inside line will undoubtedly be a major threat to any opposition they encounter in the next stages of the Junior A championship.

Shrule/Glencorrib:John Murray;Joe Hughes(1-0),Joe Flood,TJ Canavan;Johnny Naughton,Luke Lydon(1-3),James O’Dowd;Shane Mellett,Conor Bohan;Liam Higgins,Paddy Reilly,Garvan Hyland;Evan Cawley(0-8 1 2ptf 4fs 1 2pt),Colin Gibbons,Stephen Heneghan(3-2 1f).

Subs Used: N McGhee (0-1),N Sheridan,J Sheridan,E Hennelly,C Garvey

Northern Gaels:Daire Devins;Fergal McHale,Conor McHale,Shan Loughney;Mark McDonnell,Daniel Coleman,Kieran Loughney;Owen Loughney(0-2),Craig McCormack ;James Forde(0-3 1 2ptf),Tommy Clarke(0-4 2 2 ptfs)Ronan Murphy;Ruairí McDonnell(1-1),Cathal Boland,Marc Munnelly(0-5 2 2ptfs 1f).

Subs Used: L Ruddy.

Referee:John Finn 

Shurle vs Nothern Gaels QF (MN)

 Shrule Glencorrib 5-14

Northern Gaels 1-15

Eoin Horkan 

Shrule 

A hat trick either side of half time from corner forward Stephen Heneghan  paved the way for the home side to make it into the Junior A county semi final on Sunday afternoon.

The breeze and Shrule’s goals made the difference as they made home advantage count from the opening couple of minutes in this quarter final.

Straight from the throw-in Luke Lydon broke through to fire over the first score of the game. By the seventh minute an outrageous two pointer from Evan Cawley had the home side four up very early on. The Gaels response was swift as a long ball into the forward line found its way to Ruairí McDonnell who slotted into the corner leaving the minimum between the sides. The gap had been pushed out again as that man Cawley raised his second orange flag of the day judging the strong breeze to perfection.

It was the inside line of the south Mayo side that was causing havoc as a second from Lydon was added to by Stephen Heneghan as they tormented the opposition defender. The opponents did stem the tide with a long range free from James Forde.

With the game right in the melting pot up stepped Henegha to finish off a fine team move to net his first goal of the game, before Cawley slotted over yet another free. Down the far end Forde was battling hard as he found his range with another free from out wide.

The final five minutes belonged to the home side as Henghan added a second goal to his tally along with Lydon firing home minutes later . A pair of frees from Marc Munnelly and Tommy Clarke had stopped the flow for the north Mayo side. A final place ball from Cawley left ten between the sides at the break.

With the wind against them it looked like Shrule had put the tie beyond doubt when corner back Joe Hughes found himself up the pitch before rifling an effort from the twenty-one yard line into the back of the net.

This early score kicked nNorthern Gaels into gear as they started to push forward . It started with an early orange flag from Clarke before two more in quick succession from Munnelly as they started to make inroads into the score.

The home side started to empty the bench and nearly immediately Nathan McGhee had made his presence felt with a white flag.

Another Clarke long range effort this time from play looked like there would be a contest for the last ten minutes. This wasn't the case as Henghan turned into a prime Messi slaloming his way past a number of defenders to slide the ball past the goalkeeper completing his hattrick.

A trio of minors from Lydon, Henghan and Cawley finished the scoring for their side . A final orange flag from the north Mayo outfit came from midfielder Owen Loughney.

This wasn't enough as Shrule marched onto a semi final in two weeks.

Their inside line will be a danger in the rest of the championship .

Shrule/Glencorrib:John Murray;Joe Hughes(1-0),Joe Flood,TJ Canavan;Johnny Naughton,Luke Lydon(1-3),James O’Dowd;Shane Mellett,Conor Bohan;Liam Higgins,Paddy Reilly,Garvan Hyland;Evan Cawley(0-8 1 2ptf, 4fs, 1 2pt)) ,Colin Gibbons,Stephen Heneghan(3-2 1f).

Subs Used: N McGhee (0-1) for Hyland (48),N Sheridan for Higgins (48),J Sheridan for Canavan (53),E Hennelly for P Reilly (53),C Garvey for Bohan (59)

Northern Gaels:Daire Devins;Fergal McHale,Conor McHale,Shan Loughney;Mark McDonnell,Daniel Coleman,Kieran Loughney;Owen Loughney(0-2 1 2pt),Craig McCormack ;James Forde(0-3 1 2ptf 1f),Tommy Clarke(0-4 2 2 ptfs ),Ronan Murphy ;Ruairí McDonnell(1-1f),Cathal Boland,Marc Munnelly(0-5 2 2ptfs 1f)

Subs Used L Ruddy for Coleman (49)

Referee:John Finn (Aghamore)

MOTM Stephen Heneghan His 3-2 all bar one coming from play was a joy to watch. He was a constant thorn in the opposition side whether scoring or assisting Cawley and Lydon.

Other nominations 

Tommy Clakre .

His ball striking in the second half from long range was great to witness as he tried to drag his side back into the quarter final.

Evan Cawley; From the opening minute he was a threat finishing with 0-8 is some fine scoring at any level.

Luke Lydon; He was named at 6 played at full forward and was a constant out ball from the first play.

Summary Shrule vs Northern Gaels (MN)

Shrule 5-14

Northern Gaels 1-15

A hat-trick from Stephen Heneghan proved pivotal as Shrule/Glencorrib booked their place in the county junior semi-final following a convincing victory over Northern Gaels.

Playing with a strong breeze behind them, Shrule/Glencorrib made the early advantage count, with Evan Cawley finding his range inside the opening 10 minutes as he landed a couple of two-pointers.

Northern Gaels responded with a goal from Ruairí McDonnell, but it was Shrule/Glencorrib who took control as the opening half progressed.

The second quarter belonged firmly to the home side as Heneghan and Luke Lydon both found the net, while Cawley continued to punish the visitors with further scores. By half-time, Shrule/Glencorrib had built a commanding lead, 3-10 to 1-6.

The breeze was expected to have a major bearing on the second half, but any hopes Northern Gaels had of mounting a comeback were quickly diminished when corner-back Joe Hughes fired home an early goal for Shrule/Glencorrib.

Northern Gaels did manage to make better use of the conditions as the half progressed, with Tommy Clarke and Marc Munnelly both taking advantage of the wind to land a number of valuable two-pointers.

Those scores helped narrow the deficit, but Shrule/Glencorrib remained in control.

With ten  minutes remaining, Heneghan completed his hat-trick when he raised the final green flag of the afternoon, effectively putting the outcome beyond doubt.

Northern Gaels continued to battle until the finish, but Shrule/Glencorrib had done enough to secure their place in the last four.

For Shrule/Glencorrib, Heneghan’s three goals were the difference on a day when they combined effectively in attack and made the most of their opportunities to progress to the county junior semi-final

Shrule vs Northern Gaels Summary

 

Mayo JFC: Heneghan hat trick helps Shrule/Glencorrib advance.

Stephen Heneghan’s hat trick of goals proved the major difference as Shrule/Glencorrib secured their place in the Mayo GAA Treanlaur Catering Exclusive Junior Football Championship semi-finals with a 5-14 to 1-15 victory over Northern Gaels, writes Eoin Horkan.

With a strong breeze at their backs in the opening half, Shrule/Glencorrib made a bright start, Evan Cawley registering two early two-pointers inside the opening 10 minutes.

Northern Gaels responded with a goal from Ruairí McDonnell, but the home side soon took control. Heneghan and Luke Lydon both found the net during a dominant second quarter, while Cawley continued to add to the scoreboard.

Shrule/Glencorrib went into the interval with a comfortable 3-10 to 1-6 advantage.

Despite Northern Gaels having the benefit of the wind after the restart, Shrule/Glencorrib extended their lead when corner-back Joe Hughes got forward to fire home an early second-half goal.

Northern Gaels refused to give up and began to make better use of the conditions. Tommy Clarke and Marc Munnelly were particularly effective, landing a number of two-pointers as the visitors reduced the deficit.

However, Shrule/Glencorrib remained in control and any hopes of a late Northern Gaels comeback were ended when Heneghan completed his hat trick with 10 minutes remaining.

The final whistle confirmed Shrule/Glencorrib’s passage to the county junior semi-final after a performance built around their first-half dominance and clinical finishing in front of goal.

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2026/09/27/mayo-jfc-heneghan-hat-trick-helps-shrule-glencorrib-advance/

U19 Girls Shield Final

 Castlebar Town 0

Ballyglass FC 4

Westport United 

Eoin Horkan 

Ballyglass lifted the shield in Westport on Friday night after a dramatic second-half performance saw them overcome Castlebar, with Isabelle Delaney producing a remarkable hat-trick from set pieces to settle the final.

The sides were inseparable for long periods, with Castlebar’s disciplined defensive display frustrating Ballyglass and goalkeeper Jelinska making several outstanding saves. However, once Ballyglass finally found the breakthrough, Delaney’s delivery from dead-ball situations proved impossible to contain.

The opening exchanges were closely contested, with neither side willing to give the other an early advantage. Ballyglass came closest first when Aoife McHugh looked to have found a route in behind the Castlebar defence, only for the move to be halted by an offside decision.

Castlebar responded with a chance of their own. Roisin Horkan created space on the edge of the area and unleashed a shot, but it cleared the crossbar.

The deteriorating weather conditions added another element to the contest, as strong winds and persistent rain made it increasingly difficult for either side to play their football on the ground.

Ballyglass gradually began to take control and put the Town defence under pressure. Jelinska was equal to everything that came her way, though, producing a succession of important saves to keep the scores level.

A dangerous corner shortly before the half-hour mark caused further concern for Castlebar. The defence failed to properly clear the danger, but Emily Vahey could not keep her resulting effort below the crossbar.

Castlebar then almost punished Ballyglass at the other end. Captain Sarah Bright found an opening and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, as her long range effort flew past the far post.

Ballyglass continued to struggle with the Town's well-organised defence for the remainder of the half, with several attacks ending with the offside flag being raised.

The second half began at a livelier pace.

Kate Brennan, who had only arrived shortly before the interval after travelling from college in Dublin, immediately made her presence felt when she broke through the Castlebar defence. Her finish, however, drifted narrowly past the upright.

Horkan then tested the Ballyglass defence from distance, but her attempt also failed to find the target.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly before the fifty five -minute mark.

Brennan collected a well-weighted through ball and, with the slick astro turf adding pace to the move, she kept her composure to fire beyond Jelinska and give Ballyglass the lead.

Castlebar refused to surrender and soon had a chance to respond. A quick counter-attack earned them a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the Ballyglass penalty area.

Horkan stepped forward to take it, but with the ball so close to goal, she could not generate the necessary dip and her effort cleared the crossbar.

Jelinska continued to give Castlebar hope, making two more excellent saves as Ballyglass searched for a second.

But the goalkeeper could do little moments later when Delaney delivered from a corner.

Her set piece caused havoc in the swirling wind and instead of finding a teammate, the ball travelled directly towards goal and ended up in the back of the net.

That goal shifted the momentum firmly in Ballyglass' favour.

Delaney was at it again from another corner, this time producing a delivery perfectly suited to the conditions. The wind carried the ball into the goal, leaving Castlebar with an increasingly difficult task.

With the final whistle approaching, Delaney was handed one final opportunity from a free kick approximately 35 yards from goal.

She made no mistake.

A powerful strike, helped by the difficult conditions, flew beyond the Castlebar defence and into the net to complete an extraordinary hat-trick — all three goals coming from set pieces.

It was the perfect way to round off a memorable second half for Ballyglass, who held their nerve through a difficult contest and ultimately brought the shield home from Westport.

Castlebar Town:K Jelinska,M Palka,H McDonagh,C O’Mally,R Moran,A Keavney,S Bright (c),L Kosmokova,R Horkan,N Tuite Dillon,C Loftus.

Subs used:C Moynihan,M Gaughan.

Ballyglass FC:A Conroy,K Gibbons,E Vahey (c),E Joyce,I Delaney,K Corcoran,H Donovan,H Pecak,A Duggan,A McCugh,E Walsh.

Subs used:K Brennan,M Keane,L Finnerty.

Referee Patrick Foley

U19 Girls Final (WP)

 Castlebar Town 0

Ballyglass 4

Westport United 

Eoin Horkan 

A hat trick of set piece goals in the second half  from Isabelle Delaney meant it was Ballyglass that would bring home the shield on Friday night in Westport.

Ballyglass led by half time substitute Kate Brennan who had appeared on the sideline just before half time found a way eventually to break down a staunch rearguard action from Castlebar.

In what was a cagy opening fifteen  minutes both sides did manage to carve out chances the first was for Ballyglass but only for an offside flag Aoife McHugh would have been through on goal. Minutes later the town threatened when a Roisin Horkan strike flew over the bar from the edge of the box.

With the wind picking up and the rain coming down in Westport both sides found it difficult to control the ball on the ground with the conditions. It was eventually Ballyglass that did get on top but a number of fine saves by Jelinska in the town goal kept the final deadlocked.

Just before the half hour mark a dangerous corner wasn’t cleared by the Castlebar defence but Emily Vahey couldn't keep her effort down.

This flurry of chances kicked the opposition into gear and only the width of the post came between captain Sarah Bright and her side taking the lead.

The final quarter of the half produced a number of offsides from the side in red and white as they couldn't manage to break down the staunch rearguard.

Within minutes of the restart Brennan, who was a late arrival after college in Dublin broke through but her effort flew wide of the post. It was then the turn of Horkan down the far end but her long range strike flew wide.

Just before fifty fifth minute the stern Town defence was broken down as Brennan collected a through ball before using the conditions of the astro to finish into the back of the net.

The final had the chance of being level as Castlebar who broke away on the counter attack,they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. The chance fell to the dangerous Horkan but being so close to the goal she couldn't get her free kick up and down quick enough as it went over the bar.

Another couple of great saves from Jelinska kept her side in the game. One of these saves resulted in a corner which Isabelle Delaney struck towards the goal before finding the net directly.

The game was finally put out of reach of Town as a second corner from Delaney found its way into the goal as she judged the wind perfectly.

As the final whistle was about to be blown Delaney stood over a free kick from thirty-five yards which she unleashed another strike  aided by the conditions as she completed her hat trick and ensured her side would bring home the shield.

Castlebar Town:K Jelinska,M Palka,H McDonagh,C O’Mally,R Moran,A Keavney,S Bright (c),L Kosmokova,R Horkan,N Tuite Dillon(M Gaughan 77),C Loftus (C Moynihan 49).

Subs used:

Ballyglass FC:A Conroy,K Gibbons (M Keane 67),E Vahey (c),E Joyce,I Delaney,K Corcoran,H Donovan ( K Brennan 45),H Pecak,A Duggan ( L Finnerty 76),A McHugh,E Walsh.

Referee Patrick Foley

Corduff Piece

 

‘I couldn’t sleep this morning’ – Sam Maguire brings a little piece of Mayo to Corduff

“I couldn’t sleep this morning.”

Those were the words of Fr John Regan, the Corduff priest originally from Kilmeena, as he waited for the moment he would finally get his hands on Sam Maguire.

And judging by the crowds that gathered at St Patrick’s Church, he certainly wasn’t the only one awake early with thoughts of Mayo’s historic All-Ireland success.

More than a thousand people packed into the church for an early morning Mass, as Sam Maguire arrived in this little Mayo corner of Dublin.

It was a remarkable sight — green and red everywhere, familiar Mayo faces among the congregation and a palpable sense of excitement as the county’s long-awaited prize took centre stage.

Bringing Sam to Corduff were two men with strong links to the local community — teacher Jack Carney, who remains teaching in the local school  and Enda Hession, the former teacher who spent a year working there before returning to his native Mayo.

For Fr Regan, the connection between Corduff and Mayo runs particularly deep.

“We have seven Mayo teachers working in the school,” he explained after Mass, Left to right John Ryan,Kilmeena, Tara Needham Louisbough, Maria Mulderrig Kilmane Fr John, Lauren Fitzgibbon Charlestown,Laura O’Donnell Belmullet,Aoife O’Hanlon Breaffy.

It is a remarkable Mayo presence in a school so far from the county, and it helps explain why the celebrations have been so warmly embraced by the local community.

Hession may now be back teaching in Mayo, but his year in Corduff clearly left a lasting impression.

“It’s great,” he said as he looked around the packed church.

“I walked into the church and it was full of green and red again. Everyone’s in good humour. Everyone’s really excited to see Sam Maguire. So, yeah, it’s been brilliant.”

There remains a strong Mayo clientele in the school, he explained, making his return with Sam all the more special.

“There’s a lot of Mayo people in the school. There’s a strong Mayo clientele up here.”

He was delighted to meet the staff and pupils again.

“It’s great to come back to the school, meet the staff again, meet all the children and stuff like that. It was class, so yeah, it’s been brilliant.”

Hession and Carney have  been part of an extraordinary few weeks since Mayo’s All-Ireland triumph, travelling with Sam Maguire and witnessing first-hand what the victory means to people across the county and beyond.

“There’s been so many, to be honest. Every day has been amazing. We’ve gone to so many different places that’s been special.”

”

Also sharing in the Corduff celebrations was Fr Joe Coyne of Ballina, who now serves in the neighbouring parish.

A self-confessed long-suffering Mayo supporter, Fr Joe knows only too well the heartbreak that preceded this success.

“I’m one of the long-suffering fans,” he said. “I’ve seen so many finals, tears coming out of my eyes, long journeys everywhere.”

This time, though, the unbelievable finally happened.

And while he was not well enough to attend the All-Ireland final, he said the celebrations that followed brought enormous joy.

“I just thought it was as if the whole world was in love with Mayo. I suppose suffering led to that. We've suffered so much.”

As Sam Maguire was brought into the church, Fr Joe captured the emotion of the moment perfectly.

“The heart was up,” he said.

“It was like Croagh Patrick rising up in front of you. It was all marvellous.”

In Corduff that morning, the cup represented more than a football trophy.

It was a symbol of years of waiting, shared heartbreak and, finally, shared joy — bringing together Mayo people, Dublin neighbours and a community with a remarkable connection to the county.

As Fr Joe simply put it: “Joy, oh joy.”

Inter QF MD vs Parke L/C (MN)

 Moy Davitts 2-23

Parke Keelogues/Crimlin 2-20

Foxford 

Eoin Horkan 

Moy Davitts secured their place in a third successive semi-final after overcoming Parke Keelogues/Crimlin in a high-scoring and fiercely contested encounter in Foxford.

At the heart of the Moy Davitts victory was the outstanding Cian McHale, who finished with an impressive fourteen point haul and played a central role throughout.

McHale got the scoreboard moving with an early free, but it was Parke who quickly seized the initiative. Colm Lynch, Darragh Reilly and Evan Walsh combined to devastating effect as the visitors struck for an early lead inside even minutes 

Moy Davitts responded immediately. McHale added another score before Brian Heneghan followed suit adding a pair as the sides were soon back on level terms.

The game settled into an absorbing end-to-end contest, with neither defence able to exert sustained control. Walsh restored Parke's advantage before Cathal Keavney surged forward from centre-back and finished off a fine move to add another score.

The McHale brothers then took centre stage. Cian and Colm both found the target as Moy Davitts hauled themselves level once again after 20 minutes.

The closing stages of the first half produced further drama, with both teams finding the net.

Jack McLoughlin initially threatened for  his side before teammate  Lynch struck to put Parke back in front. McHale continued to torment the visitors, clipping over a score from outside the arc, before Heneghan registered Moy Davitts' first goal of the afternoon.

Parke finished the half strongly. Walsh added another point, while Darragh Neary fired over a two-pointer to leave the visitors holding a slender advantage at half-time.

Parke made the ideal start to the second half, Keavney splitting the posts for two points with the opening score after the restart.

Moy Davitts, however, responded with a remarkable burst of scoring. Seven unanswered scores followed, with Stephen Clarke getting the run underway before McHale contributed two two-pointers and a single. Clarke then added another to complete a spell of sustained pressure from the home side.

By the time the game entered its final quarter there was little to separate the teams. Walsh and Reilly responded for Parke, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in contention.

The momentum continued to swing from one side to the other. Anthony Jordan edged Moy Davitts further ahead, but Parke produced another major response when Reilly broke through behind the defence, rounded the goalkeeper and finished into the net.

Once again, though, McHale had the answer, producing another score to restore Moy Davitts' advantage.

Then came the decisive moment.

Conor Reid unleashed a superb strike for Moy Davitts, sending the ball crashing into the net in a score that could ultimately prove worthy of winning the game.

Parke refused to surrender and continued to trade scores, with Clarke registering three more times for the home side while Walsh and Reilly kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors.

In a pulsating finale, Moy Davitts managed to hold their nerve and see out the remaining minutes to claim a three-point victory.

The win sent them through to the semi-finals for the third consecutive year, while Parke Keelogues/Crimlin were left to reflect on a contest in which they had pushed their opponents all the way.

Moy Davitts:Chris McGlynn;Ajay McGrath,Fionan Cruis,Cathal Clarke;Jamie Clarke,Colm McHale(0-2),Conor Ryder,Conor Reid,Oisin McHugh;Stephen Clarke(0-1),Cian McHale(0-14 2 fs  2 2ptfs 2 3 2pts)),Pádraig Ruane;Brian Heneghan(1-2),Anthony Jordan(0-1),Ronan Clarke(0-4 3fs).

Subs Used:R Kenny for Clarke (48),L Byrne for Jordan (55),S Réid for Ryder (60), N Murphy for Clarke (61).

Parke Keelogues/Crimlin:Conor McDonnell;Matthew Kelly,Cian Lynch,Cian McHale;Conor Sweeney,Cathal Keavney(0-4 2 2pts ),Aaron McHale;Colm Lynch(1-2),Jack McLoughlin(0-1);Ronan Reilly,Evan Walsh(0-8 2fs 1 1ptf 1 2pt),Simon Cloherty;Darragh Neary(0-2 1 2pt),Cian Donohue,Darragh Reilly(1-3 1f) 

Subs Used:R Carolan for Sweeney (50),A Hurst for Kelly (60), S Corcoran for Cloherty (61).

Referee: Colm Reilly

MOTM: Cian McHale: Scoring 0-14 in any tie is worth mentioning His left foot and movement proved a danger from the opening few minutes.

Evan Walsh: His 0-8 kept his side in the game when it looked like it was heading the other way.

Brian Heneghan; The veteran rolled backed the years his goal came at a crucial time as he always tormented the Parke back line.

Intermidiate QF MD vs Parke (CT)

 Moy Davitts 2-23

Parke Keelogues/Crimlin 2-20

Foxford 

Eoin Horkan 

A  fourteen point haul from Cian McHale sent his side into the semi final for the third year in a row.

It was McHale who opened the scoring with a free with that left foot of his. The visorts to Foxford then took control as Colm Lynch Darragh Reilly and Evan Walsh had there side a goal up after seven minutes.

It was then the turn of the home side with McHale and Brian Heneghan on the double levelling the game.

In this end to end affair it was then the turn of Parke to take the lead as Walsh added to his tally before Cathal Keavney drove forward from centre back to raise an orange flag. The McHale brothers took center stage with Cian and Colm leaving the sides level after twenty minutes.

The final ten minutes of the half produced green flags from both sides, the first was after a Jack McLoughlin effort for the west Mayo team. His teammate Lynch then found the back of the net.

Down the far end McHale floated an effort over from outside the arc before Heneghan raised his side's first green flag of the day.

The final score of the half came from the opponents with Walsh and a two pointer off the boot of Darragh Neary putting his die a point up going in at the break.

Once the game restarted a Keavney two pointer came in the first play. Moy Davitts burst into life with seven scores on the spin. A Stephen Clakre strike opened the purple patch before a pair of two pointers and a single from McHale along with a Clarke score after eleven minutes.

By the final quarter there was the minimum between the teams as Walsh and Reilly raised white flags.  The final quarter proved a real end to end affair as Anthony Jordan had the gap out.Minutes later the game swung in momentum when Reilly got in behind the defense before rounding  the keeper and firing into the net.

This was canceled out again by the man McHale giving his side the lead again. A goal worthy of winning any game flew off the boot of Conor Reid for the side from the banks of the Moy. 

Both sides traded scores with three scores from Clarke which were responded to by Walsh and Reilly.

The home side held on to win by a goal sending them into another semi final.

Moy Davitts:Chris McGlynn;Ajay McGrath,Fionan Cruis,Cathal Clarke;Jamie Clarke,Colm McHale(0-2),Conor Ryder,Conor Reid,Oisin McHugh;Stephen Clarke(0-1),Cian McHale(0-14 2 fs  2 2ptfs 2 3 2pts)),Pádraig Ruane;Brian Heneghan(1-2),Anthony Jordan(0-1),Ronan Clarke(0-4 3fs).

Subs Used:Ryan  Kenny for Clarke,Liam Byrne for Jordan ,Séan  Réid for Ryder, Neil Murphy for Clarke.

Parke Keelogues/Crimlin:Conor McDonnell;Matthew Kelly,Cian Lynch,Cian McHale;Conor Sweeney,Cathal Keavney(0-4 2 2pts ),Aaron McHale;Colm Lynch(1-2),Jack McLoughlin(0-1);Ronan Reilly,Evan Walsh(0-8 2fs 1 1ptf 1 2pt),Simon Cloherty;Darragh Neary(0-2 1 2pt),Cian Donohue,Darragh Reilly(1-3 1f) 

Subs Used:Ronan Carolan for Sweeney,Aaron Hurst for Kelly, Sean Corcoran for Cloherty.

Referee: Colm Reilly

Relegation Kilti vs Chill Chomain (WP)

 Chill Chomain 0-17

Kiltimagh 2-18

Knockmore

Eoin Horkan 

Two goals from Aidan Cosgrave proved the decisive difference as Kiltimagh secured their intermediate status for another season following an entertaining relegation semi-final victory.

It was a dream start for the east Mayo side as Cosgrave found the net inside the opening minute, giving Kiltimagh the perfect platform.

The visitors responded quickly, however, with Justin Healy narrowing the deficit before Conor Hession restored Kiltimagh's advantage with a free inside the opening five minutes.

The game was level by the ten-minute mark. Liam Maloney raised a two-pointer for the North Mayo outfit before Healy followed up with another score.

Kiltimagh regained the lead from the resulting kick-out when Adam Conroy made the most of the breeze to split the posts.

Hession settled his side with another free at the opposite end, but Healy continued to prove a threat and added another score.

The game swung decisively in Kiltimagh's favour just before the quarter-hour mark when Cosgrave found himself in the right place at the right time to fire his second goal of the evening.

The second quarter developed into an open contest, with both forward lines beginning to find gaps in the respective defences.

Hession converted another free before Jack Healy struck from distance to keep his side firmly in contention.

Kiltimagh then enjoyed a productive spell, with Conor Mallee, Paul Kelly and Oisín Mulderrig all getting on the scoresheet.

The Healys continued to provide the majority of the opposition's attacking threat, while Hession added another score from a dead-ball situation.

There was little between the sides at the interval, with the game finely poised for the second half.

Kiltimagh emerged from the break with renewed purpose, clearly encouraged by the words of manager Liam Lydon.

They produced their best spell of the game, hitting six unanswered scores to take control of the contest.

Substitute Jack Niland opened the scoring before Mulderrig landed a pair of two-pointers, while Hession also raised an orange flag.

Fionnán Burke then added two important scores, including one from close to the corner flag, as Kiltimagh established a significant advantage.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, Healy finally halted the Kiltimagh surge with a quick-fire double, giving his side renewed hope.

The benches were beginning to have an increasing influence on proceedings and veteran Thomas Keegan made an immediate impact after being introduced, calmly slotting over a score.

The North Mayo side refused to surrender and Maloney and Healy both added late scores to keep the pressure on Kiltimagh.

However, Hession responded with a late double before Kelly added the final score of the contest to seal Kiltimagh's place in the intermediate grade for another year.

For their opponents, it was a result which condemned them to a relegation final against Louisburgh in two weeks' time.

Scorers Kiltimagh:Conor Hession 0-9 (6fs 1 2tp)), Oisin Mulderrig 0-3, Aiden Cosgrave 2-0,Paul Kelly and Fionnan Burke 0-2 each,Jack Niland,Conor Mallee,Thomas Keegan 0-1 each.

Cill Chomain: Justin Healy 0-8 (4fs), Jack Healy 0-4 (2 2pts), Liam Maloney 0-3 (1 2pt), Adam Conroy 0-2.

Chill Chomain:Kian Gallagher;Dalton Murphy,Seamus Mason,Lorcan McGrath;Joe Corduff,Liam Maloney,Cathal Doherty;Luke Tighe,Sean Murphy;Justin Healy,Eoghan McGrath,Kyle McGrath;Gavin McAndrew,Jack Healy,Adam Conroy.

Subs Used:L Mason (for K McGrath), D Moran (for  McAndrew),J Flannery (for L  McGrath).

Kiltimagh:Jamie McNicholas;Evan Cosgrave,Liam Kelly,Darragh McGovern;Sean Forkan,Mattie Cummins ,Eoghan McGovern;Paul Kelly,Liam Smyth;Fionnan Burke,Conor Hession,Aidan Cosgrave;Conor Mallee,Oisin Mulderrig,Brian Gallagher.

Subs Used:J Niland  (for McGovern), T Keegan (for  Burke),P McDonnell (for Mallee) 

Referee:Kevin Corcoran