Mayo Gaynor Cup (CT)

Mayo Gaynor Cup 2025

Mayo 2

South Tipperary 1

A goal in each half from Saoirse Reynolds was enough to secure Mayo's first victory in the 2025 Gaynor Cup.

Mayo started the match brightly, dominating the early exchanges with high energy and control in midfield. They almost took an early lead within five minutes, but Lilly Hurst's effort was well blocked. Just past the ten-minute mark, Reynolds collected the ball from 30 yards out and fired a stunning strike into the top corner to put Mayo ahead.

The team in green continued to apply pressure after taking the lead, but their Munster opponents held firm with a series of crucial defensive interventions. With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Munster struck back on the counter, levelling the game through Farragh Madigan.

The second half saw Mayo regain control, creating several opportunities but struggling to convert. Their persistence paid off with ten minutes left on the clock when Reynolds confidently slotted home from the penalty spot to seal the win for her side.

Tuesday 

Mayo 1

Louth 0

Mayo Maintain Winning Form with Narrow Victory

An early goal in the first half was all Mayo needed on Tuesday morning to extend their winning streak in the Gaynor Cup.

Right from the kickoff, Mayo came out strong, applying immediate pressure. Within three minutes, Chloe Stagg came close to opening the scoring, her shot narrowly missing the target. Moments later, Lilly Hurst broke down the wing and delivered a pinpoint pass to Westport’s Saoirse Reynolds, who made no mistake with a composed finish.

Following that fast start, the tempo settled, and both sides largely neutralized each other for the remainder of the first half.

The second half proved quieter, with challenging weather conditions playing a role in limiting clear-cut chances. Despite a few half chances on either end, strong defensive displays and the elements ensured no further goals were scored.

The result sees Mayo sit at the top of the group heading into their final match.

Mayo 1 

Kilkenny 2

A late second-half surge wasn’t enough for Mayo to secure victory in all three group games. Goalkeeper Jane Moran was the standout performer, making a series of spectacular saves.

After two exhausting matches, Mayo struggled to gain control against a determined Kilkenny side. The southeast team created several promising chances in the opening quarter, but Moran’s heroics kept them at bay. The deadlock was finally broken ten minutes before halftime.

As the second half began, fresh legs started to pay off for the silver-clad side, but Kilkenny were awarded a penalty against the run of play, which they calmly converted.

In the final ten minutes, Mayo launched a fierce attack on Kilkenny’s goal, with Kate McGing managing to reduce the deficit. However, time eventually ran out, sealing Kilkenny’s win.

Wednesday 

Mayo 1

DDSL 3

Wednesday didn’t go Mayo’s way, as several things seemed to unravel against their Dublin opponents.

Within five minutes of the start, Mayo had a penalty appeal turned down after Saoirse Reynolds broke through the defense. After that early chance, both teams canceled each other out until the 15-minute mark, when the Leinster side pushed forward to take the lead through Aoibhe Galvin. Mayo fought back to regain momentum and pressed forward again, only to have a second Reynolds penalty claim dismissed. On the counterattack, Dublin doubled their advantage through Faith Dawson. Just before halftime, Mayo had a free kick that sailed over the bar.

The second half belonged to Mayo as they freed themselves and played some impressive football. They created several early chances, but the opposition defense and goalkeeper stood firm. Just when it seemed Mayo might reduce the deficit, Isabella Macleod broke down the wing and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, who was injured during the play. Adding to Mayo’s woes, Maya Benson was shown a straight red card shortly after play resumed.

In what was nearly the final act of the game, Reynolds fired in a shot from distance to narrow the gap.

Thursday 

Mayo 0

Wexford 3

Thursday morning proved challenging as Wexford secured a convincing three-goal victory.

Although the southeast side controlled possession in the early minutes, it was Mayo who came closest to opening the scoring but were undone by a costly miscontrol. The opposition broke the deadlock with ten minutes remaining before halftime, then doubled their lead just before the break.

After the restart, Mayo defended resolutely for the next twenty minutes despite relentless pressure from their southeast rivals. However, Wexford added two more goals in the final ten minutes to seal the result. Mayo’s last opportunity came through Saoirse Reynolds, but she was unable to find a consolation goal.

Friday 

Mayo 1

Waterford 0

A first-half strike from Kate McGing was enough to secure 5th place for Mayo in this year’s Gaynor Cup.

Despite a tough loss the day before, the Mayo girls showed no signs of a hangover, quickly settling into the game and gaining early control. Their first real threat came from the ever-dangerous Saoirse Reynolds, whose effort was well saved by the Munster goalkeeper. Mayo continued to press high and created several half-chances, but the opposition defense stood firm.

Just when it seemed the sides would head into the break level, Reynolds won the ball back high up the pitch. Her shot was parried, but Kate McGing was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to give Mayo the lead just before halftime.

Waterford responded after the interval, gradually taking more control and firing several efforts wide in the opening stages of the second half. Mayo absorbed the pressure well, and the introduction of Maya Benson proved crucial—providing a reliable outlet any time Mayo pushed forward. In the final moments, they nearly doubled their lead with a free kick, but the effort sailed narrowly over the bar, as Mayo held firm to finish their campaign on a high.

Following the final whistle, manager John Butler shared his thoughts on the team's performance.

He was full of praise for his players, emphasizing their unwavering commitment throughout the tournament. “They are the bravest group of girls I’ve ever worked with. They gave absolutely everything in every single game—more than we could have ever asked for,” he said.

Mayo Squad: Jane Moran Fahy Rovers, Rheanna Hoban Westport Utd, Lily Hurst Castlebar Celtic , Amelia Duffy Manulla Fc, Kate McGing Westport United, Ella Connell Kimurry Youths, Chloe Stagg Ballinrobe Town, Robyn Butler Ballinrobe Town, Maya Benson Kilmurry Youths, Saoirse Reynolds Westport Utd, Leja Kosmakova Castlebar Town , Bonnie Walsh Claremorris AFC, Molly Sheridan Ballinrobe Town AFC, Sara McDonell Ballyvary Blue Bombers, Lola Hanley Claremorris AFC, Grace Hannick Conn Rangers, Andrea Kilbane Achill Rovers, Katarzyna Berkowska Straide + Foxford Utd, Victoria Palamarczuk Westport Utd , Grace Hannick Killala Fc.

Manager John Butler

Coaches Wesley Hurst, Joe Connell,

Physio Emma Gibbons.

Kit Jessica Lamb.