Monday
Mayo
1
Wexford
5
Mayo
showed plenty of heart and attacking intent in their group stage opener, but
Wexford’s clinical finishing proved the difference in a high-scoring contest.
The
game began at a blistering pace, with Mayo nearly taking an early lead. A
powerful effort struck the post before the rebound was heroically blocked,
showing Mayo’s early attacking threat. At the other end, Wexford had a
breakaway chance well saved.
Despite
Mayo's bright start, Wexford took the lead in the seventh minute through
Patrick O’Leary. They doubled their advantage soon after, with Ade Adedji managing to break through the
backline. Just before halftime, O’Leary added a third after rounding the
goalkeeper, giving the Southeast side a commanding lead at the break.
Rather
than fold, Mayo came out with renewed energy in the second half, pushing higher
up the pitch and creating opportunities. While Wexford grabbed a fourth on the
counter through Adedji, Mayo continued to apply pressure and were eventually
rewarded when Aidan Gaughan produced a
brilliant touch and finish from a long free kick to reduce the deficit, a
deserved goal for the Westerners’ efforts.
Mayo’s
momentum continued as they pressed for more, but Wexford managed to hold firm
and netted a late fifth through Evan Thorpe following a well-worked move.
Although
the result didn’t go their way, Mayo’s attacking quality and determination
particularly in the second half offered real positives as they looked ahead to
the rest of the group stage.
Tuesday
Mayo
0
Limerick
District 3
The
opening game on Tuesday morning proved difficult for Mayo as the local side ran
out three goal winners
Within
a minute of the game starting the home side took an early lead through Ciaran
Maher. A free minutes later nearly
doubled the sides advantage but it just missed the goal frame. The rest of the
half belonged to mayo shot stopper Jamie Needham who produced a number of
excellent saves to keep his side in the game.
Just after the break the District side doubled
their lead through Craig Sheehan who finished from and then doubled his account moments later. This didn't stop Mayo
as the rest of the half they piled the pressure onto the opposition goal but
unfortunately couldn't find the back of the net before the final whistle was
blown.
Although
Mayo delivered a resilient defensive display and pushed hard in the second
half, they were unable to convert their pressure into goals before the final
whistle. The final score was not a true reflection of the grit, determination,
and spirit shown by the Mayo side throughout a hard-fought encounter.
Mayo
5
Inishowen
3
In
what was arguably the game of the tournament Mayo brought home all three points
in the eight goal thriller Tuesday evening with an Aidan Gaughan hat trick proving decisive.
From
the opening Mayo played with massive energy and within minutes could have taken
the lead through Aidan Gaughan but his
effort was well saved. With ten minutes gone in the game CJ O’ Hara played a
ball to Rory Gruddy who unleashed a long range effort which flew into the net.
The game was level five minutes later when the opposition fired in a penalty.
This didn't seem to affect the Mayo team as swinford man Gaughan netted twice, his first was
assisted by Ethan Canny before Conor Moran did the same minutes later.
On the cusp of half time the gap was narrowed to the minimum.
Once
the final group game resumed the side in green pushed forward which resulted in
Gaughan firing in his hat trick to put the tie to bed or so it seemed. A second
penalty with ten minutes to go had the Mayo boys getting nervous, the icing was
put on the performance when captain Ethan Canny stepped up to fire in the
decisive goal with four minutes left.
Wednesday
Shield
Quarter Final
Mayo
1
Kilkenny
4
Mayo
showed plenty of promise and determination in a spirited encounter against
Kilkenny that was finely balanced at halftime, but a strong second-half display
from the visitors ultimately proved decisive.
The
first half saw both sides share periods of control, with Mayo impressing
through their pace and work rate. Jamie Loughney gave Mayo a deserved lead
midway through the half with a composed finish from an Aidan Gaughan pass.
Kilkenny responded late in the half, with Ben Fitzgerald leveling the match to
leave the teams tied at 1-1 going into the break.
Mayo
continued to press after halftime, creating chances and pushing Kilkenny deep.
However, a clinical counterattack saw Aedan Somner strike twice in quick
succession, punishing Mayo’s high defensive line. Despite the setback, Mayo
battled bravely and showed resilience, refusing to let the game slip away
easily.
As
the clock ticked down and Mayo pushed forward in search of a comeback, space
opened up at the back. Kilkenny took advantage, with Ben Fitzgerald grabbing
his second and Kilkenny’s fourth late on.
Though
the final scoreline didn’t reflect Mayo’s early dominance and effort, there
were many positives to take from their first-half performance and overall
intensity. They’ll look to build on this display in their next outing.
Thursday
Shield
Place Match
Mayo
2
South
Belfast 4
In
a thrilling encounter, Belfast overcame Mayo with a final score of 4-2,
following a dominant second-half display.
Mayo
started the game strongly, netting two goals in the first half. Jamie Delaney opened the scoring with a composed
finish, assisted by a clever pass from Calum
Costello. Delaney was instrumental again as Paddy Smyth doubled Mayo’s lead shortly before
halftime, giving the hosts a promising advantage heading into the break.
However,
the second half belonged entirely to the South Belfast side. Showing remarkable
resilience and tactical superiority, they stormed back into the match with four
unanswered goals. Their quick transitions and clinical finishing overwhelmed
the Mayo defence, who struggled to maintain their first-half composure. South
Belfast’s midfield dictated the tempo, creating numerous opportunities that
their forwards converted efficiently.
Despite
Mayo’s early dominance, they failed to contain the rejuvenated Belfast attack.
The visitors' comeback was complete by the final whistle, highlighting their
superior second-half performance.
Friday
Shield
Place Match 23rd /24th
Mayo
4
Limerick
County 0
Mayo
delivered a commanding performance in their 4-0 victory over Limerick County,
establishing control early and never looking back.
The
scoring opened in the seventeenth minute
when CJ O’Hara powered a header from a well-placed corner from Calum
Costello giving Mayo the lead and
setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Just
three minutes later, Ethan Canny doubled the advantage with a clinical finish,
followed quickly by a third goal from
Costello in the twenty second
minute. Mayo continued to dominate possession and pressure, and before
the half-hour mark, Jamie Loughney added a fourth goal after being set up by
Aidan Gaughan putting the game out of Limerick County’s reach within the
opening 30 minutes.
The
second half saw Mayo adopt a more defensive approach, standing strong and
organized to keep a clean sheet. Despite Limerick County’s efforts to find a
way back into the match, Mayo’s defense remained resolute, denying any
meaningful chances.
Overall,
Mayo’s fast start and disciplined defending ensured a comprehensive win
finishing twenty third overall in the competition.
At
the end of the tournament we got the thoughts of manager Gerry Gaughan. He praises this young mayo side and explains
how if it wasn't for the bounce of a ball they could have finished higher in
the competition . “ Honestly they gave absolutely everything they could when
they were playing and when they came off the bench.”
Gaughan
finally adds how reflecting back on the week how he “ was really proud of the
lads on and off the pitch even saying they have made friendships for life.”
Mayo
Squad:Rian Jordan Straide & Foxford
Rian Jordan Straide + Foxford,Seamus Murphy Manulla Jack Ryan Manulla,Paddy
Smyth Swinford,Conor Moran Manulla,
Ryan Cummins Killala,CJ O Hara
Ballyglass,Rory Gruddy Straide & Foxford,Aidan Gaughan
Swinford,Ethan Canny Manulla,Jamie Loughney
Straide & Foxford,Michael Ruane
Straide & Foxford, Eoin Bardwell Swinford,Calum Costello Straide +
Foxford,Padraig Wilson Ballyvary,Jamie Delaney Ballyglass,Ronnie Deacy Straide
+Foxford,Roaghan Langan Killala,Jamie Holmes Westport,Jamie Needham Westport
Manager:
Gerry Gaughan
Coach: Aiden Dunleavy Snr
Coach: Aiden Dunleavy Jnr
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