On the Line

Saturday, 26 September 2026

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.

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

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

Relegation Kilti vs Chill Chomain

Chill Chomain 0-17

Kiltimagh 2-18

Knockmore

Eoin Horkan

Kiltimagh will remain at intermediate level for another season after overcoming a determined North Mayo challenge in an entertaining relegation semi-final.

The return of Aidan Cosgrave proved hugely significant for the east Mayo club, with the forward finding the net twice and providing the foundation for a hard-earned victory in a contest which ebbed and flowed throughout.

Kiltimagh could hardly have wished for a better opening. Within the first minute, Cosgrave was on hand to finish to the net and give his side an early advantage.

The response from the opposition was immediate, though, as Justin Healy reduced the deficit. Conor Hession restored Kiltimagh's lead from a free shortly afterwards, but there was little to separate the teams during a lively opening spell.

By the ten-minute mark, the sides were level. Liam Maloney registered a valuable two-pointer before Healy added another score to bring the game back on terms.

The north Mayo side regained the initiative from the subsequent kick-out, with Adam Conroy taking advantage of the conditions to fire over.

Hession was again accurate from a placed ball at the other end, but Healy was becoming increasingly influential in attack and responded with another score.

The game's first major turning point arrived before the end of the opening quarter. Cosgrave reacted quickest inside the opposition defence and finished clinically for his second goal, putting Kiltimagh back in front.

The pace remained high as the second quarter unfolded, with both sets of forwards beginning to exploit openings.

Hession continued his impressive accuracy from frees, while Jack Healy answered with a long-range effort for the opposing side.

Kiltimagh then enjoyed a productive period as Conor Mallee, Paul Kelly and Oisín Mulderrig all contributed to the scoreboard.

The opponents remained within touching distance, with the Healys continuing to pose a threat, while another Hession dead-ball score ensured Kiltimagh maintained their advantage.

Neither side was able to establish complete control before the interval and the teams went to the dressing rooms with the outcome still very much in the balance.

Kiltimagh returned from the break with a renewed sense of purpose and produced a superb opening to the second half.

Whatever was said by manager Liam Lydon during the interval certainly had the desired effect, as Kiltimagh reeled off six unanswered scores to seize control.

Jack Niland, introduced from the bench, got the scoreboard moving before Mulderrig and Hession produced two excellent two-point efforts.

Fionnán Burke then made his presence felt with two scores, including an impressive effort from near the corner, leaving Kiltimagh in a commanding position.

The North Mayo side desperately needed a response and Healy duly provided it, landing two quick scores to interrupt the Kiltimagh surge and offer his team a glimmer of hope.

Both benches were now playing an important role and Kiltimagh's experience came to the fore when veteran Thomas Keegan was introduced. He made an immediate contribution, calmly sending over a score.

Despite falling behind, the Gaeltacht side continued to battle and Maloney and Healy both added further scores as they attempted to close the gap.

Kiltimagh, however, held their composure when it mattered most. Hession struck twice late on before Kelly added the final score, bringing the contest beyond the reach of their opponents.

The result guarantees Kiltimagh another season at intermediate level and brings relief to the East Mayo club after a difficult campaign.

For the defeated side, attention now turns to a relegation final against Louisburgh in two weeks, with their intermediate status hanging in the balance.

Chill Chomain:Kian Gallagher;Dalton Murphy,Seamus Mason,Lorcan McGrath;Joe Corduff,Liam Maloney(0-3 1 2pt),Cathal Doherty;Luke Tighe,Sean Murphy;Justin Healy(0-8 3fs),Eoghan McGrath,Kyle McGrath;Gavin McAndrew,Jack Healy(0-4 2 2pts)),Adam Conroy(0-2 1 2pt).

Subs Used:Lorcan Mason for Kyle McGrath, Derek Moran for Kyle McGrath, John Flannery for Lorcan McGrath.

Kiltimagh:Jamie McNicholas;Evan Cosgrave,Liam Kelly,Darragh McGovern;Sean Forkan,Mattie Cummins ,Eoghan McGovern;Paul Kelly(0-2),Liam Smyth;Fionnan Burke,(0-2)Conor Hession(0-9 6fs 1 2pt),Aidan Cosgrave(2-0);Conor Mallee(0-1),Oisin Mulderrig(0-3 1 2pt),Brian Gallagher.

Subs Used:Jack Niland (0-1) for Eoghan McGovern, Thomas Keegan (0-1) for Fionnan Burke,Paddy McDonnell for Conor Mallee

Referee:Kevin Corcoran

Relegation semi final Kilti vs Chill Chomain (MN)

Chill Chomain 0-17

Kiltimagh 2-18

Knockmore

Eoin Horkan

Two goals from the returning Aidan Cosgrave proved the main difference and maintained his side's intermediate status for another season.

It was a dream start in this semi final as Kiltimagh rattled the net through Aidan Cosgrave inside the opening minute. The visitors managed to narrow the gap slightly through Justin Helay before a Conor Hession free had the gap back out to a goal inside five minutes.

The tie was level by the ten minute mark as a Liam Maloney two pointer was followed up by another Healy strike.Chill Chomasin then took the lead from the resulting kick out as with the aid of the breeze Adam Conroy raised another orange flag. A Hession free down the far end stemmed the tide before Healy added another to his account .

The game then turned just before the quarter hour mark as Cosgrave found himself in the perfect spot to fire into the back of the net again.

The second quarter of this game saw both sides' forward lines starting to get on top of the defenses.

First up it was Hession with another free before Jack Healy lone range strike to give his side the lead.

A flurry of scores from the east Mayo sides Conor Mallee, Paul Kelly and Oisin Mulderrig had them on the front foot.The Healys added more scores for their side in between a final dead ball from Hession

This left the sides deadlocked at the break.

With the breeze and the words of manager Liam Lydon at half time. This pushed Kiltimagh forward as they hit six unanswered scores in a row. It was substitute Jack Niland who started the scoring along with a pair of two pointers from Mulderrig and Hession, a double from Fionnan Burke one from near the corner flag had his side well in control.

Just before the quarter hour mark a Helay double had stopped the momentum of the opposition.

The benches were starting to cause even more damage as veteran Thomas Keegan slotted over minutes after being sprung from the bench.

The north Mayo side kept in touch with final scores from Maloney and Healy but a final double from Hession and a final score from Kelly.

This ensured intermediate status for them while it sent the opposition into a relegation final against Louisbourgh in two weeks' time.

Kiltimagh:Jamie McNicholas;Evan Cosgrave,Liam Kelly,Darragh McGovern;Sean Forkan,Mattie Cummins ,Eoghan McGovern;Paul Kelly(0-2),Liam Smyth;Fionnan Burke(0-2) ,Conor Hession(0-9 6fs 1 2pt)),Aidan Cosgrave(2-0);Conor Mallee(0-1),Oisin Mulderrig,(0-3 1 2pt),Brian Gallagher.

Subs Used:J Niland (0-1) for McGovern (35),T Keegan (0-1) for Burke (48), P McDonnell for Mallee (54)

Subs Used L Mason for McGrath (24), D Moran for McAndrew (53),J Flannery for L McGrath (58)

Referee:Kevin Corcoran

Motm: Conor Hession 0-9. From the outset the youngster was unerring from placed balls and frees. Came out around the middle at times winning some kick outs and breaking balls.

Other nominations: Justin Healy. The sharpshooter was a constant threat with the 0-8 who knows if he had more support what could have happened.

Aidan Cosgrave: His two goals and relentless workrate was a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.

Brian Gallagher.

The veteran rolled back the years playing as a sweeper spare man and intercepted a number of balls played into Healy’s path.

LGFA Semi Final (MN)

Knockmore 2-13

Kilmovee 2-6

Knockmore

Eoin Horkan

There was no shortage of twists and turns in this senior semi-final as Knockmore and Kilmovee traded blows in an absorbing contest, with the outcome remaining in doubt well into the second half.

Kilmovee looked to have positioned themselves for a place in the decider when they held the advantage after a lively opening half and continued to threaten after the restart. Knockmore, however, refused to let the game slip and produced a decisive burst in the final quarter to turn the contest firmly in their favour.

The introduction of Mia Traynor proved particularly influential, while captain Lara Sweeney led from the front as Knockmore turned the game on its head in a devastating closing spell.

Both sides had early opportunities before Hannah Reape opened the scoring for Knockmore with a well-taken point.

The hosts soon began to settle and, with Kilmovee struggling to convert their chances, Knockmore took advantage.

Sweeney opened her account before Amy O’Connor and Shauna Howley added more scores to leave Knockmore four points clear inside the opening fifteen minutes.

Kilmovee gradually worked their way back into the contest, with Shauna Golden finally getting them off the mark from a placed ball.

The visitors' pressure began to tell as half-time approached and they were level with eight minutes remaining in the opening half.

A dangerous ball from Sinead Cafferky into the Knockmore defence was finished to the net by sister Lisa Cafferky, bringing the sides level and giving Kilmovee considerable momentum.

The east Mayo side then struck again in dramatic fashion.

Golden sent over a long-range free that somehow found its way into the Knockmore net, leaving the home side stunned and Kilmovee supporters celebrating.

Knockmore responded before the break, however, with Reape powering through the centre before splitting the posts.

That left two points between the teams at half-time, with Kilmovee holding the advantage.

Whatever was said in the Knockmore dressing room had the desired effect.

They emerged from the interval with renewed intent and Sweeney quickly took centre stage.

The Knockmore captain registered three scores in succession, one from play and two from frees, as the home side began to eat into Kilmovee's advantage.

Golden wasn't finished either, though, and two more scores from the Kilmovee attacker were followed by another point from Sinead Cafferky.

With thirteen minutes remaining, Kilmovee appeared to have regained control.

Then came the decisive intervention from the Knockmore bench.

Traynor was introduced and immediately brought a new intensity to the Knockmore attack. Her impact was almost instantaneous as O'Connor narrowed the gap before Traynor turned provider.

Twice she won possession from Kilmovee kick-outs and on both occasions Knockmore punished the mistake.

Sweeney was first to benefit, finding the net, before Clodagh Keane followed suit as Knockmore hit two goals in quick succession.

Suddenly, a game that had looked to be slipping away from Knockmore had been transformed.

There was still drama to come.

Reape was shown a yellow card with five minutes remaining, meaning Knockmore would have to see out the closing stages with fourteen players.

Rather than retreat, they continued to attack.

Traynor added another point before Sweeney and Sarah Mulvihill also found the target as Knockmore stretched their advantage.

Kilmovee managed a late response through Tori Duffy, but there was to be no way back for the visitors.

Howley had the final say, completing the scoring as Knockmore secured their place in the senior final.

It was a hugely impressive response from Knockmore, who showed character after falling behind and produced their best football when the contest was on the line.

Sweeney's contribution was central, while Traynor's arrival from the bench proved a key moment as Knockmore eventually pulled clear.

Their reward is a place in the senior final in two weeks' time, where Burrishrule awaits.

Knockmore:Grace Naughton;Caitlin Burke,Emily Hughes,Siofragh Kelly;Emily Reaper,Roisin Flynn,Nina McVann:Sarah Mulvihill(0-1),Hannah Reape(0-2);Ciara Durkan,Shauna Howley(0-2),Sarah Dempsey;Amy O’Connor(0-2),Clodagh Keane(1-0),Lara Sweeney(1-6).

Subs Used:M Traynor for Kelly (35), M Breslin for Dempsey (52), Á Clarke for Sweeney (58).

Kilmovee:Méabh Lavin;Rebecca Towey,Ava Horgan,Serena Hanley;Anna Mai Regan,Lynda Hanley,Ilana Phillips;Sinead Cafferky(0-1),Leah McCugh;Katelyn Regan, Shauna Golden(1-4),Lucia McDonnell;Tori Duffy(0-1),Lisa Cafferky(1-0),Saerlaith Dillon.

Subs Used:L Foley for Phillips(35),A Conway for Hanley(54),Elise Phillips for Dillon (58)

Referee Kevin Corcoran

Players of the Match

Lara Sweeney: The Knockmore captain led from the front her 1-5 along with the pressure she put on the opposition meant that the rest of her side would follow in kind.