Claremorris WP Postponment

 

Supporters hoping for a lively contest between Claremorris and Drumkeeran were left disappointed on Sunday when their  LGFA quarter-final was called off due to an unplayable pitch.

Concerns were first raised shortly after midday when the match referee inspected the Drumkeeran surface at around 12.15pm. Large patches of surface water and heavy scarring through the middle third were deemed unsafe, prompting a second assessment an hour later. Rather than improving, the pitch had deteriorated further.

Earlier in the day, the venue had hosted an U15 county final, and while that fixture proceeded, it clearly took its toll. By the time the senior teams arrived, the goalmouths in particular had become treacherously soft, making firm footing almost impossible.

With player safety in mind, officials opted to postpone the tie — a call that drew groans from travelling fans but was ultimately met with understanding. Neither side was willing to risk injuries in such conditions.

A new date for the fixture is expected to be confirmed shortly. Until then, both sets of players will return to training and wait patiently for another crack at progressing to the semi-finals.

Claremorris LGFA Postponment (CT)

 

Claremorris’ LGFA quarter-final meeting with Drumkeeran was postponed on Sunday after the match venue failed two pitch inspections.

The referee first examined the Drumkeeran surface at 12.15pm and immediately raised concerns over player safety, citing standing water and badly cut-up sods across the central channels. Hopes of an improvement faded quickly, and a second inspection an hour later confirmed the surface was no longer playable.

The pitch had already hosted an U15 county final earlier in the day, and while that game went ahead, it left visible wear and tear that worsened underfoot conditions. By the time both senior sides arrived for their warm-ups, it was clear footing was unstable in several areas, particularly around the goalmouths.

Officials were left with no option but to call off the fixture, a decision that frustrated travelling supporters but was widely accepted as the correct one. Managers from both camps agreed that risking injuries in such conditions would have been irresponsible.

A rearranged date is expected to be announced shortly, leaving both squads to reset and prepare once more. Claremorris and Drumkeeran will now have to wait a little longer before settling matters on the field.

Claremorris LGFA Postponment (MN)

 Claremorris’ highly anticipated clash with Drumkeeran was called off on Sunday afternoon after the pitch was deemed unplayable following two inspections.

The referee carried out the first inspection at approximately 12:15pm and expressed concerns about surface water and heavy divots left across key areas of the field. Despite hopes that conditions might improve, a second inspection an hour later confirmed the worst — the surface had deteriorated further and was no longer safe for play.

Ironically, an U15 county final had taken place earlier on the same Drumkeeran pitch, and while that game managed to go ahead, it clearly took a toll on the already weather-beaten surface. By the time players from both senior squads began to warm up, it was obvious footing was treacherous in several zones, particularly near the goalmouths.

Officials had little choice but to postpone the quarter-final fixture, much to the disappointment of supporters who had travelled in large numbers. Both camps accepted the decision, acknowledging that player safety must come first.

A new date for the rescheduled tie is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, with both sides now forced to shift focus to recovery and preparation all over again

U19 A Football Wicklow

 

AGB 2-14

Blessington 2-5

Eoin Horkan 

Pearse Park.

In the opening round game in Arklow it was the home side that ran out comfortable winners against their west Wicklow opponents.

It was a blistering start for the Gers as they stormed seven points ahead within the opening eleven minutes. Wing-back Ryan Scanlon ignited the charge with a surging run from deep before blasting to the net. His fellow defender Jonathan Nuzum quickly added to the tally with two fine points from distance, while further efforts from the ever-reliable Jim Connors and midfielder Fenn Wolohan left the visitors reeling.

However, the explosive opening finally sparked Blessington into life. Their response came midway through the half when Aaron Keogh powered straight through the heart of the defence and buried a low shot beyond the keeper. Patrick Small tagged on a point shortly after, trimming the deficit to just three by the 23rd minute.

The closing stages of the half became a shoot-out as both sides began to adapt to the tough  conditions. Two well-taken home scores were cancelled out by fine strikes from Connors and Tiernan Gahan before Jack Byrne pounced for Blessington’s second goal. Keogh added a late white flag to leave just a single point between the sides at the interval.

Within moments of the restart, the game was level as Small doubled his personal tally. But remarkably, that would prove to be Blessington’s final score from play as AGB seized complete control of proceedings.

Free-taker Cullen was unerring from placed balls, slotting over multiple efforts as the pressure mounted. Ryan Redmond and Connors added cultured points from play, while Scanlon continued to dictate matters from the half-back line, splitting the posts from an acute angle.

Blessington rallied briefly with scores from Cian Bruce and another from Small, but several misplaced passes at key moments cost them dearly. Their hopes were finally dashed when Cullen launched an outrageous long-range effort that sailed between the posts, drawing a roar from the home crowd.

With the result now beyond doubt, substitute Dylan Mullen was hauled down in the square, leaving the referee with no option but to award a penalty. Moore stepped up with confidence and coolly dispatched the ball into the corner, sealing a comfortable and well-earned victory for the Geraldines.

AGB may have stuttered briefly, but once they settled, they delivered a powerful statement of intent for the season ahead.

AGB:Adam O’Leary;Kristan Dowling,Joe Kindlon,Cormac O’Donoghue;Jonathan Nuzum(0-2)Aaron Kenna,Ryan Scanlon(1-1);Tiernan Gahan(0-1),Fenn Wolohan(0-1);Paul Moore(1-0),Jim Connors(0-3),Jack Keogh-;Kory Merrigan,Ryan Redmond(0-1),Odhran Cullen(0-5 2fs 1 2pt)

Subs Used:Peter Lappin for Kory Merrigan,Tiernan Pierce for Fenn Wolohan,Dylan Mullen for Jonathan Nuzum.

Blessington:Owen Vickers;Max Kehoe,Jack Byrne,Terence Punselle;Jamie O’Toole,Ronan Smyth,James Phibbs;Aaron Keogh(1-2),Luke Higgins;David Johnston,Patrick Small(0-2),Cian Bruce(0-1);Myles Leonard,Padraic Quinn,Conor O’Toole.

Subs Used; James May  for Myles Leonard,Aaron Mulhall for David Johnston, Daniel Smith for Conor O’Toole, Cillian Behan for James Phibbs.

Referee Anthony Nolan

Wicklow Minor B Hurling

 

Wicklow Minor B Final 

St Joseph’s Hurling Club 2-9

Luke O’Tooles 2-13

Eoin Horkan 

Pearse Park

A late comeback led by Christy Moorehouse wasn't enough as O’Tooles brought the minor b hurling trophy back to the south of the county.

From the outset of this end to end minor final scores were flying in and over from every angle. It was St Joseph’s who fired the first two scores over the bar off the hurls of corner forwards Alex McKenna and Tyler O’Neill. The opposition responded with a dead ball from Daniel Duffy before his teammate Finlay Jameson found himself in space to rattle the back of the net. In the next passage of play the green flag was raised down the opposite end when Tristen Newsome’s effort hit the top corner of the net a follow up free from Christy Moorehouse had his side two points up. Luke O’Tooles took control of the next  fifteen minutes  with seven unanswered points. It was centre forward Daniel Duffy who slotted over five of these along with efforts from Pierce Caroll and Padraic Lambert. The final two scores from the opposition were frees from Moorehouse and a long range strike from Fionn Keogh. This left a goal between the sides at the interval.

In what was the dream start to the second half for O’Toole’s Caroll raised his side's second green flag of the morning. The next fifteen minutes was a battle of the free takers as Duffy added two more to his tally before Moorehouse took control with a goal from a long range strike that dropped in along with three more frees.This left two between the sides going into the final ten minutes. The gap was down to one when  McKenna slalomed his way though the defence. Just as it looked like we could be heading to extra time Ross Weld who was a rock at the centre of the defence  drove forward . On two of these occasions he won frees that Duffy coveted before he slotted over a final win to guarantee victory for his side.

St Joseph’s Hurling Club; Cameron O’Brien;Daniel Jones,Kevin Murphy,Harry Cullen;Aaron Meridith,John Lynch,Dj Williams;Aidan Heffernan,Fionn Keogh;Harry ButlerTristen Newsome (1-0) ,Christy Moorehouse(1-6fs);Alex McKenna(0-2),Joseph Cooney,Tyler O’Neill(0-1).

Subs Used:Leighton O’Toole for Harry Cullen,Lochalinn Hughes for Aidan Heffernan,

Luke O’Tooles;Peter Moony Monaghan;Adam Kearns,Dominic O’Loughlin,Oisin Fanning;Alex Kavanagh,Ross Weld,Dylan Doyle;Darragh O’Byrne,Sean Byrne;Tiernan Byrne,Daniel Duffy(0-11 10fs 1 65),Finlay Jameson(1-0);Pierce Carroll(1-1),Daniel Byrne,Padraic Lambert(0-1).

Subs Used;Alex Penston for Finlay Jameson, Liam Molloy for Pierce Carroll, Kyle Moules for Padraic Lambert.

Referee James Phelan

WDSL Week 4 Roundup

 

Spotlight on the Jimmy Hackett Finals

The headline event of the weekend was undoubtedly the Jimmy Hackett Finals, a thrilling competition that gives U11 teams the rare opportunity to battle it out for silverware — with trophies, medals, and memories up for grabs.

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the tournament also serves an important purpose for the WDSL, helping grade teams ahead of the transition to competitive U12 football in 2026.

The competition proudly carries the name of Jimmy Hackett, a former WDSL and SFAI executive member who passed away in 2021. Jimmy was deeply passionate about youth football, dedicating countless hours to supporting the game at grassroots level. While he held many roles across both organisations, his greatest joy came from seeing children play the sport he loved.

With the full support of his family, the Jimmy Hackett Competition was created to honour his legacy — celebrating his commitment to the game by giving young players a platform to shine.

The finals are held in Finn Park Kilcoole’ , home of St Anthonys and the presentation is done by the Family.

 

This year we saw a bit of history with two Arklow town teams ending up in the Shield Final. The cup Final was contested by Aughrim Rangers and Ashford Rovers.

Here is a brief report of both finals from the weekend 

Aughrim Rangers Clinch Cup Final Glory in 4–1 Thriller

A large and lively crowd gathered to witness an eagerly anticipated Cup Final — and they were treated to a cracking contest. Aughrim Rangers emerged victorious with a 4–1 win over Ashford, though the scoreline hardly reflected just how closely matched these sides were. The real difference on the day was Aughrim’s clinical finishing in front of goal.

Ashford started brightly and could have taken an early lead, only to be denied by a stunning acrobatic save from Rangers goalkeeper Nathan Gannon, who leapt to claw away a powerful strike from Oisín Dunne.

Both teams traded chances in an intense opening spell, but it was Aughrim who broke the deadlock midway through the first half. A loose ball fell kindly to Asher Horan, who made no mistake, rifling home from 10 yards to make it 1–0.

Roves  responded with sustained pressure and carved out several opportunities, but a combination of tireless Rangers midfield work and more sharp goalkeeping kept them at bay. The first half closed with the granite city side holding a narrow 1–0 advantage.

Just five minutes into the second half, Aughrim doubled their lead when a mix-up at the back allowed Bobbie O’Brien to tap into an empty net. Ashford, to their credit, refused to fold and battled hard to find a way back into the game, but again found themselves frustrated.

Around the 20-minute mark, Aughrim struck again to make it 3–0, leaving Ashford with a mountain to climb. Moments later, hope flickered when Rona Devlin pulled one back from a corner, assisted by Kyle Conyard — 3–1 and the Ashford supporters roared “Game on!”

But any hopes of a comeback were swiftly dashed as Asher Horan bagged his second of the match, sealing the victory at 4–1.

At full-time, Irene Hackett, wife of the late Jimmy Hackett, presented the medals, while the Man of the Match award deservedly went to Asher Horan, presented by Jimmy Hackett Jnr and Chairperson Peter Porter.

Arklow Town Blue Claim Shield Final Victory in Historic Club Derby

History was made in the Shield Final as two Arklow Town sides faced off for the title — the U11 Blues taking on their clubmates, the U11 Yellows, in a rare and memorable all-club showdown.

Bragging rights were on the line, and while some might say it didn’t matter who won, try telling that to the young players who proudly lined out in their colours.

Before kick-off, both teams and supporters observed a respectful minute’s silence in memory of former player Patric O’Doherty, who sadly passed away.The match began with both sides showing nerves and determination, neither willing to concede an inch. The opening stages were tight and cagey, with neither team eager to make the first mistake.

However, as the half progressed, the Blues began to take control, finding their rhythm and hitting three quick goals to take a commanding 3–0 lead into the break. This cushion allowed them to rotate the squad and ensure every player got valuable time on the pitch.

The Yellows rallied early in the second half, scoring two rapid goals to spark hopes of a comeback. But the Blues remained composed and proved the more clinical side, pulling away once more to secure a convincing 6–2 victory.It was a proud day for Arklow Town as a club — back-to-back Shield titles and celebrations shared across the entire community.

Irene Hackett presented the trophy to captain Cormac Redmond, while Player of the Match honours went to Barra Nolan, presented by Susan Hackett.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/wdsl-shines-its-spotlight-on-the-jimmy-hackett-finals/a649511775.html

Mayo U15 Div 1 League

 Balltintuber 4-7

Castlebar Mitchels 1-8

Eoin Horkan

Bekan 

A second half performance for the ages from Killian Reilly ensured Ballintuber would have the bragging rights in this local derby.

With Sunday morning coming into full swing Cillian Donnely swung over the opening score of this game before Castlebar took the lead with a Kian Redmond point before a goal from James Dever It was then the turn of midfielder Killian Reilly to open his account. After another minor Ruairí Kearney had his side well in the lead. That was the end of the town sides scoring while Reilly doubled his tally for the day. The last couple of minutes scores from Dever  and Redmond looked like they would have the lead going in at the break. The tie was leveled just before whistle when John Feeney slotted in a breaking ball.

In a great start to the second half Reilly added a goal and a point before a second goal from Feeney and another goal from Donnelly along with a final white flag from that man Reilly pushed his side out to a comfortable lead.The opposition did push forward in the last few minutes but a penalty save along with a couple of missed chances didn't help. An effort from  Matthew Daly along with a dead ball and a final two pointer from Ruairí Molloy  did close the deficit but wasn't enough as Tubber ran out comfortable winners.

Ballintubber;Noah Murphy,Devon Burke,Ciaran Earley,Oscar Diffley;Matthew Corbett,Teegan Heneghan,Jack Loftus;Ross Malone,Cillian Reilly(1-5);Jamie Carter,Sean Prendegast,James Staunton;John Feeney(2-0),Cillian Donnelly(1-3),Conor Fahey.

Subs Used;Cathal Staunton for Ross Malone,Ryan Summerville for Jamie Carter,Daithí Feerick for John Feeney,James Staunton for Oscar Diffley,Dillon Corcoran for Cillian Reilly.

Castlebar Mitchels:Oskar Radik;Ruairí Molloy(0-2),Ruairí Kearney(0-1),Luke McHale;Paddy Connolly,Keely McHale,David Derengowski;Kian Redmond(0-2), Callum McDonnell;John Connor(0-1), James Dever(1-1),Sean Kilcawley;Cian Fitzpatrick,Matthew Daly(0-1f), Noah Kirby

Subs used:Samuel De Victor Brobbi,Adam Collins,Cathal Kennedy, Paddy McGuiness,Eoghan Quinn 

Referee John Brennan Claremorris 

Mayo Ladies Intermidiate Religation

 Davitts 5-12

Kilmoremoy 3-3

Eoin Horkan 

Bekan COE

 The Ballindine outfit  managed to save their intermediate status with a free scoring game on Sunday in Bekan.

In what was a perfect start for Davitts Lorna Burke managed to goal early before adding a couple of points. A  number of other points came from Ciara Nyland and Aoife Meehan. The opposition battled back with a goal and point from the boot of Finola Collins . A free from Ruth Kearns was canceled out down the clubhouse end by Eimear Treacy halfway through the half.

In the second quarter of this final both sides leveled each other on the scoreboard. The south Mayo side netted again Niamh Meehan along with a second minor from her namesake Aoife. Kilmoremoy’s Treacy added another placeball before Collins looped a ball into the net leaving five between the sides at the break.

In what was a quiet opening ten minutes the game then burst into life when the Meehan goaled twice in two minutes before a white flag from Aoife again.

The next eight minutes belonged to the Moy as Bairbre Moffatt slotted into the net before a final point from Erin Ferguson. The final minutes of the tie in Bekan belonged to the red and black as Burke split the posts with frees along with a final goal from Meehan. The last score of the game was a white flag from Kearns with a clever finish.

Ballindine;Katie Melvin;Aoife Ronayne.Edel Fahey;,Leah Judge;Grace Kelly,Anna Roche,Eilís Ronayne (c);Ciara Nyland(0-2),Ciara Clarke;Rebecca McHugh,Aoife Meehan (3-3),Hannah Trench;Lorna Bourke(1-5),Niamh Meehan(2-0),Ruth Kearns(0-2 1f);

Subs Used:Lianne Daly for Katie Melvin,Lucie Roche for Hannah Trench,Eilis McDermott for Niamh Meehan,Holly Roche for Eilis Ronayne,Jessica Feerick for Leah Judge.

Kilmoremoy:Nina Roberts;Bridget Mills,Kate Monaghan,Anna Regan;Tara Regan,Fiona Collins  ©(2-0),Fiona Gilmartin;Erin Ferguson(0-1),Mary McHale,Bairbre Moffatt (1-0),Maigh Callinan,Maria O’Brien,Keira  Harrington,Eimear Treacy(0-2),Hannah Jordan.

Subs Used:Ailbhe Ferguson for Keva Harrington,Caoilfhin Tighe for Maigh Callinan ,Keira Tuohy for Maria O’Brien,Michaela Mulaney  for Tara Regan,Ava Dodey for Keira Harrington

Wicklow Junior C Football Final

 Rathnew 4-5

Donard/Glen 1-9

Eoin Horkan 

Pearse Park

A couple of goals from the Village early on proved crucial in Arklow on Saturday afternoon.

It was clear from the throw-in on Saturday in Arklow that this would turn into a shoot out between two men on either side of the age spectrum. The younger man Darragh Lacy fired over an early side for Rathnew. Within two minutes the Glen had taken the lead when Liam Mullan fired over a two pointer from range before adding a free a minute later.The tie was level ten minutes in as Lacy doubled his tally the first from play before a dead ball. The opposition then took the lead led by captain Ray Halloran who split the posts. The first major in the game then came in the seventeenth minute when Stephen Cruise rattled the back of the net. With five minutes left on the clock the side in red and green were awarded a forty-five which Lacy struck into the back of the net.

With the final effort of the half Halloran managed to put four between the sides with a free.

From the throw in the Village flew forward and raised a third green flag through Charlie Cruise. This was canceled out within a minute by Mullan down the far end who fired past Doyle. In what was a crazy start to the half the ball was in the back of the net again as James Hunter found himself in the perfect position to fire home. The next two scores of this final came from the boot of Halloran to narrow the gap to five midway through the half.

In what was the championship quarter proved chaotic as Lacy slotted over a free before substitute Dean Flynn replied with five minutes left before his team mate Joe Whyte had the gap down to four with four to play.

Donard piled forward in the final moments which resulted  in a penalty but the effort was kept out by Doyle. The insurance score in this final came from veteran Nicky Mernagh  who rolled back the years to send the Rathnew crowd into raptures.

Donard/Glen:James Walshe;Aaron Moody,Joe Whyte(0-1);,Kevin Osborne; Ronan Kelly, Dylan Whyte,Clifford Grace;Alan Tutty,Niall Curran;Joe Manifold,Ronan Flanagan, Harry Mangan;Aaron Geoghegan,Liam Mullan(1-3 1f 1 2pf);Ray Halloran (0-4 3fs) ©

Subs Used Dean Flynn (0-1) for Niall Curran, Jack Grace for Alan Tutty,Ronan Conron for Clifford Grace,

Rathnew;Scott Doyle;Jamie O’Connor, John Healy,Aidan Ryan;Emmet Ronan,Martin Cowap,Ryan O’Toole (c);Charlie Cruise(1-0),Ross McMonagal;Darragh Lacy(1-4),Nicky Mernagh(0-1f),Paul Ellis,Stephen Byrne,Stephen Cruise(1-0),James Hunter(1-0).

Subs Used Zack O’Connor for Jamie O’Connor, Rory Dowling for James Hunter, Dean Franey for Stephen Cruise, Kian Hunter for Stephen Byrne.

Referee Noel Kinsella.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/rathnew-outgun-donardglen-in-all-action-junior-c-replay/a1417847988.html

Mayo Senior B Hurling (CT)

 Mayo Senior B Hurling Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 0-12

St Ciarans 0-11

Eoin Horkan 

Josie Munnelly Park

Scahill the Hero as Castlebar Edge Dramatic Final in Dying Moments

It wasn’t a classic from the outset, but when it finally kicked into gear, this final delivered tension in spades. And when the dust settled, it was Castlebar Mitchels who emerged triumphant – thanks to a nerveless late free from the ever-reliable Corey Scahill.

The early stages were more of a chess match than a shootout. For the first ten minutes, both sides probed cautiously, mirroring the familiarity that comes from training on adjacent pitches just a week earlier. Neither camp was willing to blink first, and the crowd waited patiently for someone to take charge.

That moment arrived when Barry Lane struck the game’s opening score, slotting confidently to settle Mitchels’ nerves. Any hopes of an early surge were quickly snuffed out as St. Ciarans captain Brendan Sheridan responded in kind, leveling matters and lifting his team. Castlebar then began to dictate play, capitalising on frees as Scahill converted twice with minimum fuss. Down the other end, Luke Hurley provided resistance, clipping over a tidy effort to keep the amalgamated outfit within touching distance.

Then came the first moment of real drama – a gilt-edged goal chance that seemed certain to tilt momentum, only for Kevin Duffy to produce a save worthy of the occasion. It proved a temporary stay of execution. Niall Peoples curled over an exquisite effort from the flank to restore parity, signalling that the contest had finally come alive.

But Castlebar weren’t rattled. Lane reasserted their authority before Scahill once again showcased his accuracy from distance. Into the closing minutes of the half, Mitchels stretched clear as Scahill and Eoin Enright split the posts with precision. Hurley clawed one back before the whistle to leave just three between them at the interval – enough to offer hope, but not comfort.

Castlebar were the first to ring the changes, and it paid dividends immediately. Substitute John Kennedy made a near-instant impact, launching one from range that sailed perfectly between the uprights. It looked like Mitchels were about to pull away – but St. Ciarans had other ideas. James Gallagher and John Heraty landed vital scores from distance, narrowing the margin and reenergising their supporters.

Again, Scahill responded, landing another free to steady the ship. But the resistance from St. Ciarans intensified. Hurley was growing into the game, and when Ronan Fallon chipped in alongside another Sheridan free – either side of a Colm Enright score – the gap was suddenly the bare minimum entering the final quarter.

What followed was pure championship grit. Sheridan and Paddy Dozio began to exert real influence around the middle third, refusing to allow Mitchels an easy ride. Scahill nudged the favourites two clear once more with another composed free as the clock ticked towards the closing stages – but then came a seismic twist.

Jack Doocey, quiet until then, powered forward from the middle of the park to give his side hope.

The tension was palpable as time ebbed away. Sheridan – inspirational throughout – conjured another spectacular point from a near-impossible angle to level matters once more. Extra-time appeared inevitable.

But finals have a habit of producing one final act.

As the seconds ticked into red, Mitchels won a free within range. There was never any doubt who would take it. Scahill stepped forward, placed the ball, and with ice in his veins, struck cleanly over the black spot. The whistle followed almost instantly.

A slow burner, perhaps – but one that erupted into a gripping finish. And when the moment of truth arrived, Corey Scahill stood tallest.

Castlebar Mitchels;Martin Parsons;Ronan Treacy,James Lowe,Ciaran Treacy;Conor Donaldson,Conor Murray,Liam Mullins;Darren McTighe,Anthony Rowland;Pierce Murray,Eoin Enright(0-1),Conor Martin;Barry Lane(0-2),Corey Scahill (0-7fs),Colm Enright.

Subs Used. John Kennedy (0-1) for Conor Donaldson,Bob Tuohy for Ciaran Treacy,Lucas Kenny for Barry Lane, Abbi Abbassi for Conor Martin.

St Ciarans:Kevin Duffy Ballina Stephenites,Evan Heraty Moytura,James Carroll Ballyvary,Conor Ketterick Westport St Patricks;Sean McGhee Ballyvary,Michael Gallaghe Westport St Patricks,James Gallagher(0-1) Westport St Patricks;Jack Doocey Ballyvary(0-1),John Heraty(0-1) Moytura,Paddy Dozio Caisleal Gaels,Brendan Sheridan(0-3 2fs) (Capt) Moytura,Johnny Granahan Moytura;Kealan Gallagher Westport St Patricks,Luke Hurley (0-3 2fs)Ballina Stephenites,Niall Peoples(0-1) Ballina Stephenites.

Subs Used;Eoghan Roe for Conor Kettrick,Killian Gallagher for Sean McGhee,Ronan Fallon (0-1)for Niall Peoples,Darren Williams for Jack Doocey

Referee: James Judge

Mayo Senior B Hurling Final (MN)

 Mayo Senior B Hurling Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 0-12

St Ciarans 0-11

Eoin Horkan 

Josie Munnelly Park

In what was a slow burner of a final, a late free from Corey Scahill ensured his side would come out victorious on Saturday evening.

The opening ten minutes saw no major incident as both sides were trying to figure each other out even after having trained beside each other on opposite pitches in Castlebar last Sunday.

The first score of note came from Barry Lane as he finished well before Brendan Sherdan led by example levelling the score within minutes.The home side then started to take control with two frees from Corey Scahill before Luke Hurley added one to his tally down the far end. The first goal chance of the game produced a save for the ages from Kevin Duffy. The final was level minutes later as Niall Peoples raised a white flag from the sideline. It looked like the amalgamated side were starting to get a hold of the game but efforts from Lane and Scahill put an end to their control. The last five minutes saw Castlebar push ahead as Scahill and Eoin Enright fired over. The gap was narrowed just before the break through Ballina man Hurley leaving three between the sides at the interval.

It was Mitchels  who started to empty the bench at half time and within minutes John Kennedy made an impact splitting the post from range. Brian’s Finn’s charges then battled back with efforts from James Gallagher and John Hearty from distance. These were again canceled out by Scahill again.Thius was a slight reprieve as Hurley and a Ronan Fallon effort alongside a free from Sheridan in between Colin Enright strike had gap down to the minimum by the halfway mark in the second half. The championship quarter proved very exciting as Sheridan and Paddy Dozio were ensuring Mitchels wouldn't have it their own way.A Scahill free with ten left had two between the sides before Jack Doocey effort into the far goal. With the clock almost in the red up stepped Sheridan to fire over from a tight angle.

In the final play of the game the home side were awarded a free that their man fired over to ensure victory.

Castlebar Mitchels;Martin Parsons;Ronan Treacy,James Lowe,Ciaran Treacy;Conor Donaldson,Conor Murray,Liam Mullins;Darren McTighe,Anthony Rowland;Pierce Murray,Eoin Enright,Conor Martin;Barry Lane,Corey Scahill,Colm Enright.

Subs Used. John Kennedy (0-1) for Conor Donaldson,Bob Tuohy for Ciaran Treacy,Lucas Kenny for Barry Lane, Abbi Abbassi for Conor Martin 

St Ciarans:Kevin Duffy Ballina Stephenites,Evan Heraty Moytura,James Carroll Ballyvary,Conor Ketterick Westport St Patricks;Sean McGhee Ballyvary,Michael Gallaghe Westport St Patricks,James Gallagher(0-1) Westport St Patricks;Jack Doocey(0-1Ballyvary, John Heraty(0-1) Moytura,Paddy Dozio Caisleal Gaels,Brendan Sheridan(0-3 2fs) (Capt) Moytura,Johnny Granahan Moytura;Kealan Gallagher Westport St Patricks,Luke Hurley(0-3 2fs)Ballina Stephenites,Niall Peoples(0-1) Ballina Stephenites.

Subs Used;Eoghan Roe for Conor Kettrick,Killian Gallagher for Sean McGhee,Ronan Fallon(0-1) for Niall Peoples,Darren Williams for Jack Doocey

Referee: James Judge

Bonniconlon vs Eastern Gaels Mayo Junior (CT)

 Bonniconlon 0-11

Eastern Gaels 1-11

Parke GAA Club

Eoin Horkan 

Madden’s Early Goal Fires Gaels Past Bonniconlon in Semi-Final Thriller

Gaels got the sweetest kind of revenge on Saturday  afternoon as they overturned last year’s semi-final heartbreak with a hard-fought victory over Bonniconlon — and it was Jack Madden’s early goal that ultimately proved decisive.

The East Mayo men burst out of the traps with ruthless intent, laying down a marker within minutes of the throw-in. centre-forward Senan Guilfoyle was electric from the off, splitting the posts twice from play before calmly slotting over a free to make it three unanswered points inside five blistering minutes. Bonniconlon looked shell-shocked — and worse was to come.

From another Guilfoyle placed ball, the delivery dropped dangerously into the square, where Jack Madden rose highest and punched it low past the keeper and into the net. Six  points up and cruising, it looked like Gaels might run away with it.

But if Madden’s goal ignited celebration in one camp, it sparked defiance in the other.

Bonniconlon, stung into life, responded with a flurry of scores. Wesley Loftus opened their account with a composed effort from distance, before Ciaran Gaughan took control of proceedings. The reliable free-taker knocked over three consecutive placed balls to haul his side right back into contention midway through the first half.

Just as the contest threatened to settle into a grind, Guilfoyle — who was rapidly becoming unmarkable — produced another moment of brilliance, firing over the first orange flag of the afternoon. Moments later he almost repeated the trick from near the halfway line, launching a monstrous free that had the goalkeeper scrambling. The Bonniconlon stopper managed to get fingertips to it and prevent a second two pointer  but the warning was clear: Guilfoyle could score from anywhere.

Gaughan clipped over another to narrow the deficit once more, but Madden ensured Gaels went in at the interval with breathing space, adding a vital point to send his side into the break leading by double scores.

The question at half-time was simple: could Bonniconlon regroup and find an answer? For a spell, it looked like they just might.

A free from Sean Neary early in the second half kept them in touch, but Guilfoyle — as he had done all day — rose to meet the challenge, cancelling it out almost instantly with yet another point at the opposite end.

Momentum, however, began to tilt. Bonniconlon’s bench made an impact, with Ronan Neary and James Harrington introduced to telling effect. Gaughan landed another dead ball before both substitutes got themselves on the scoresheet, cutting the deficit to a kick of the ball.The north Mayo side even had chances to take the lead, but a couple  of missed frees — two clipping the upright — left them cursing their luck.

With their once-comfortable lead now evaporating, Gaels began to wobble. A long scoring drought left their supporters holding their breath — until up stepped Charlie Johnstone, the roaming  wing-back charging forward to slot over a crucial point and lift his teammates.

Still, Bonniconlon refused to yield. Entering stoppage time, they pulled the gap back to one when Harrington crashed over the first orange flag of their afternoon, setting up a grandstand finish with the clock ticking into the sixties.

But fittingly, it was that man Guilfoyle who had the final say. With nerves jangling around the ground, he stood over a long-range free and — as he had done all day — delivered, driving it over to secure Gaels’ ticket to McHale Park in two weeks’ time.

It wasn’t always tidy, and it certainly wasn’t comfortable, but Gaels won’t care. They exorcised last year’s demons, and they did it with heart, resilience, and the brilliance of a forward in unstoppable form.

Bonniconlon;Eugen Carlin;Eoin Fox, James Kelly,,James McKenzie;, Ronan Conlon Cillian Upton,Conor Igoe,Richard McKenzie,Niall Greevy;Darragh Fox,Jonathan Lavelle;Wesley Loftus(0-1) Sean Neary (0-1);Brian O’Malley,Ciaran Gaughan(0-5fs)

Subs Used;Conor Redmond for Cillian Upton,Ronan Neary(0-1) for James McKenzie,James Harrington (0-3 12p), Cathal Kelly for Richard McKenzie.

Eastern Gaels;Ronan Forde;Michael Finnegan,Jack Ronayne,Henry Concannon;Shane Glynn,Ethan Owens,Charlie Johnstone(0-1);Jarlath Concannon,Dean McGarry;Darren Concannon,Senan Guilfoyle(0-9 2f 2 2pf),Nathan Hession,Luke MannionTony Alyward,Jack Madden(1-1).

Subs Used: Evan Godfrey for Dean McGarry,David Smith for Nathan Hession,Michael McGarry for Darren Concannon.

Referee: Shane Corcoran.