Summer has landed - We're going up! - Connacht GAA
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Vol 11. Issue 3
May/June, 2021
Summer
has
landed
Mayo and Sligo kick off
the championship
We’re going up!
Sligo hurlers celebrate promotion
OFFICIAL GAA PUBLICATION €2.50
Nóta an Uachtaráin Nóta an Rúnaí
A chairde,
Dear friends,
I
T is great that everything is
finally opening up again after
such a long time. The lock-
down hit the GAA hard but we
C HAMPIONSHIP season is well and
truly upon us and the excitement
is mounting ahead of the throw-
in of the Connacht SFC next Saturday
afternoon.
can now look forward to a some- It’s great to be at this stage, we
what normal summer, with have had so much hardship over the
weekends jam-packed full of past year and finally there is a light at
GAA action. the end of the tunnel with the GAA in full flight.
There is great excitement in JOHN MURPHY The summer weather is a big help too and we are thrilled
all of the communities and espe- Connacht GAA President to look out on a glistening Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence
cially among the players. At club at Bekan, complete with dome and all.
level it is kicking off as well but for now the inter-county Good things are certainly coming and for many the atten-
championship should really capture the imagination. tions will turn to the meeting of Sligo and Mayo at
The players will get the chance to get out and play Markievicz Park this weekend. It’s an awesome prospect.
really competitive championship matches. It’s a wonder- There’s plenty happening on the field this weekend and
ful time for them too to be able to express themselves Leitrim will look to take home their first piece of silverware
again. The summer is always that bit special in Ireland. this season, when they clash with Louth in the Ladies Foot-
But for the supporters, they can watch on whatever ball Division 4 final on Sunday.
Looking back on the respective leagues it was a mixed bag
social media platform they decide while the TV coverage
for the Connacht counties, especially on the football front,
has really upped it too. You can nearly even watch every
but there was still plenty of promise even though Galway and
club game these days. And that is a tremendous Roscommon suffered relegation. I have no doubt that they
prospect after the terrible 18 months that went before. will bounce back in the coming weeks.
All eyes will be on Markievicz Park this weekend Our reigning Connacht champions Mayo are looking to
when Sligo welcome Mayo to their backyard. The reign- peak again in the championship this season and they had a
ing champions appear to be going well. But Galway really solid league campaign, highlighted by their promo-
were going well too until they just slipped up in the last tion.
league match against Monaghan. It is quite an open Sligo and Leitrim will also have their say and who knows,
Connacht championship this year. Roscommon, Sligo we could see a few shocks along the way.
and Leitrim will be right there too so it will be interesting In the hurling fields, Galway have laid down their marker
to see how that unfolds. early in the season while Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and
The Galway hurlers are in a real rich vein of form and Leitrim can all carry through some fresh optimism of making
look set to put it up to Limerick this year. Hopefully they a big impression in the months ahead.
will have a long Liam MacCarthy Cup campaign to look One notable thing during this lockdown was the increase
forward to while the other Connacht counties will also in sports coverage on TV. And it was brilliant to see Ladies
be competitive across their various competitions. football and camogie getting their time to shine too.
The Ladies football and camogie has never been so Our Connacht counties have done us proud in 2021 and I
competitive as well while in terms of the underage know they will continue to do so across the summer. And
structure, there were fixture changes and the Connacht maybe we will have some big dates to look forward to at
Croke Park later in the year.
U-17 and U-20 championships will be played out across
the various venues in the province. Is mise, le meas
We have a fine facility here at Bekan, it is complete John Prenty
now and that is a testatment to our brilliant staff who Rúnaí, CLG Cuige Connachta
worked so hard to get this across the line.
The pandemic, if it has done nothing else, has made
us appreciate sport even more. We longed for the days
when football, hurling, Ladies football and camogie ‘Into the West’
would be back on our screens.
It is going to be an exciting summer. We go straight
through to December and I believe the club scene will
come out of this very well. They have the latter end of Keep yourself in the loop. Sign up today for your free elec-
the year. The club scene will grow to be even stronger in tronic copy of the magazine – emailed directly to your
Inbox. To sign up, email magazine@connachtgaa.ie
that space.
But I just can’t wait for this weekend and a huge ‘Into the West’ is produced by the Connacht GAA Council.
Editor: John Fallon. Published by: Pádraig Corcoran.
game, we will know a lot more come Saturday evening!
News and photographs for inclusion can be emailed to
magazine@connachtgaa.ie. To obtain an electronic copy of the maga-
Is mise, le meas zine each quarter, free of charge, email: magazine@connachtgaa.ie.
John Murphy • Deadline for advertising and copy will be announced on the
Uachtarán Chomhairle Connacht Connacht Council website – www.connachtgaa.ie.
Page 2 – INTO THE WEST
Contents
www.connachtgaa.ie.
Galway secure top spot.
Sligo see off Roscommon ………………………44
Strange Down goal doesn’t
Mayo hold off Clare surge to book passage back to top flight
derail Roscommon……………………………45
Galway slump to Division 2 ……………………4 Leitrim in red hot form …………………………48
Roscommon also bow out after struggle …5 Clare almost dismantle Galway………………50
Mayo earn promotion at first
Roscommon’s campaign picks up pace ……52
time of asking …………………………………12
Sligo fail to get their early Mayo have 13 points to spare …………………53
season silverware ……………………………17
Connacht championship fixtures ……………54
Leitrim found wanting against Louth………19
Tribesmen continue to build …………………23 Ladies take centre stages ………………………55
Niland looks ahead ………………………………27 Nationwide club competition …………………56
Tough defeat for Mayo …………………………30
Sligo thank frontline workers ………………60
Two points the difference ………………………35
Mayo Ladies miss out on league final ……38 St Nathy’s are one good club …………………62
Galway suffer shock heavy loss………………39 Ewing calls time on his career ………………64
Derby victory for Mayo …………………………43
Cathal Flynn tribute ……………………………66
Huge step in the right direction
for Ladies football……………………………68
Mullaney tells a powerful story ………………71
Gaelic4Girls sponsorship ………………………75
O’Connor injury is massive blow ……………76
Sligo promotion dream over
A full Croke Park is the dream… ……………78
COVER PICTURES – SUMMER HAS LANDED: Mayo’s Lee Keegan ahead of their champi-
onship opener against Sligo this weekend. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE. Future looks bright according to Walsh …81
Inset – WE’RE GOING UP: Kieran Prior of Sligo fist bumps with selector Donal Tully.
Photo: Harry Murphy / SPORTSFILE.
Turloughmore plans ……………………………82.
INTO THE WEST – Page 3
McCarron Galway’s tormentor
winner with the scenes of jubilation
Monaghan ..............1-21 that followed for the Farney men.
Galway ...................2-17 SCORERS – Monaghan: J McCarron (0-7,
2 frees), D Hughes (1-1), C McManus (0-4, 2
(AET) frees), D Ward (0-3), R McAnespie (0-2), R
Beggan (0-1, 1 45), K O'Connell (0-1), S
Carey (0-1), K Duffy (0-1).
By RONAN O’NEILL Galway: S Walsh (0-7, 6 frees), R Finnerty
(1-3, 0-1 mark), P Kelly (1-1), M Tierney (0-2,
1 45, 1m) E Brannigan (0-1), K Molloy (0-1),
J
ACK McCarron was the ace in
C Sweeney (0-1), J Duane (0-1).
the pack for Monaghan as he
came off the bench to score 0-7 MONAGHAN: R Beggan; D Ward, K McMe-
namin, R Wylie; K Duffy, C Boyle, K O'Con-
and doom Galway to life in Division 2 nell; N Kearns, K Lavelle; R Bannigan, C
of the National Football League. McCarthy, R McAnespie; S O'Hanlon, A
It was a titanic struggle at St Tier- Woods, C McManus. Subs: J McCarron for
nach’s Park in Clones and although Woods (11); D Hughes for Bannigan (h/t); F
Galway looked set for a comfortable Kelly for O'Connell (47); A Mulligan for
victory in normal time, Monaghan Lavelle (51); G Mohan for O'Hanlon & S
fought back to tie the game before a Hanratty for R Wylie (65). S Carey for
sensational ending where they McCarthy, B McBennett for Kearns &
Bannigan for McMenamin (e/t); O'Connell
snatched the win. for Boyle (83); McCarthy for Mohan (86),
Shane Walsh scored 0-7 for the Wylie for Duffy (89).
Tribesmen but he missed some vital GALWAY: C Gleeson; S Kelly, J Glynn, S
opportunities near the end and Mulkerrin; K Molloy, D McHugh, L Silke; P
Galway were left to rue these Conroy, M Tierney; E Brannigan, P Cooke, F
chances as Padraic Joyce suffered a O Laoi; R Finnerty, S Walsh, P Kelly.
heavy blow to his championship Subs: J Heaney for Brannigan (32); J
plans. Duane for Glynn (h/t); C Sweeney for
for a tonic goal before McCarron PASS: Seán Molloy & D Connelly for Kelly (51); G O'Don-
Galway looked in control when
took charge again in extra-time. Kelly of nell for O Laoi (63); T Culhane for Finnerty
they took a 2-6 to 0-9 lead into half-
It looked set to finish 2-17 to 1-20 Galway in & M O Bairead for Walsh (68). Walsh for
time of normal time, following goals
after Matthew Tierney’s superb mark action against Culhane & Finnerty for Heaney (e/t);
from Paul Kelly and Robert Finnerty. Molloy for Silke (83); Culhane for Finnerty
and subsequent point but Monaghan Karl McMe-
They then led by three points & O Laoi for Cooke (88).
had one last chance, and fittingly it namin of
approaching the end of the 70 REF: D Gough (Meath).
was McCarron who scored the Monaghan.
minutes but Darren Hughes struck
Photo:
Ray McManus /
SPORTSFILE.
SHOULDER: Galway attacker Finnian Ó
FORWARD: Galway substitute Cathal Sweeney powers past the challenge of Aaron Laoí takes on Monaghan’s Aaron Mulli-
Mulligan during the National Football League relegation play-off against Monaghan. gan in Clones, Monaghan.
Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE.
Page 4 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH
Roscommon
relegated after
failing to ignite
SHOVE: Richard Hughes is tackled by
Tiernan Kelly in the relegation play-off.
Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE.
Grimley, O O’Neill; J Hall, R O’Neill, T Kelly;
R Grugan, A Murnin, S Campbell.
Subs: C Turbitt for Murnin (41), J Óg Burns
for Kelly (41), C O’Neill for Hall (49), R
Kennedy for Forker (58), B Donaghy for
O’Hanlon (66), J Morgan for McKay (68).
ROSCOMMON: C Lavin; C Daly, R Hughes,
D Murray, B Stack, R Daly, C Hussey; E
Smith, T O’Rourke; N Kilroy, C Murtagh, S
Killoran; D Murtagh, D Smith, C Cox.
Subs: N Daly for Hughes (32), E Nolan for E
Smith (ht), F Lennon for R Daly (ht), C
Cregg for Kilroy (44), C Devaney for Killo-
ran (44), C Lennon for D Murtagh (55), C
McKeon for D Smith (55), H Darcy for
Devaney Blood (64-67).
REF: Seán Hurson (Meath).
and Stefan Campbell running the PRESSURE:
Armagh ...................1-17 show in the second half, Armagh Armagh play-
Roscommon ...........0-11 comfortably kept Roscommon at ers Ross Finn
arm’s length to run out comfortable (left) and
winners. Oisin O’Neill
By IAN COONEY SCORERS – Armagh: R O’Neill 0-5 (2f, surround
1m), O O’Neill 1-1, J Hall (1m) and R Grugan Roscommon’s
Roscommon Herald (2f) 0-3 each, A Murnin 0-2 (1m), S Camp- Donie Smith.
bell, N Grimley and G McCabe 0-1 each Photo:
Roscommon will be playing Divi- Roscommon: C Cox 0-5 (2f, 1m), C Ramsey Cardy /
sion Two football in 2022 after being Murtagh 0-3 (1f 1m), D Murtagh 0-2, N Daly SPORTSFILE.
comprehensively beaten by Armagh, 0-1.
1-17 to 0-11, at the Athletic grounds. ARMAGH: B Hughes; R Finn, G McCabe, A
Roscommon started with intent, McKay; A Forker, C Mackin, C O’Hanlon; N
moving into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 13
DIVISION 1 NORTH
minutes with Diarmuid and Ciaráin
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts
Murtagh kicking some superb points.
But the water break completely 1 Donegal 3 1 2 0 38 36 +2 4
disrupted any momentum the visitors 2 Tyrone 3 1 1 1 37 34 +3 3
had built up, with two Jemar Hall 3 Armagh 3 1 1 1 35 36 −1 3
points on the resumption hinted at a 4 Monaghan 3 0 2 1 35 39 −4 2
sign of things to come.
When Richard Hughes was over- DIVISION 1 SOUTH
turned, Oisín O’Neill struck for a goal Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts
to confirm how decisively the pendu- 1 Kerry (C) 3 2 1 0 75 47 +28 5
lum had swung in Armagh’s favour. 2 Dublin (C) 3 2 1 0 68 55 +13 5
Conor Cox and substitute Niall 3 Galway (R) 3 1 0 2 51 71 −20 2
Daly did stem the bleeding before HIGH: Roscommon’s Shane Killoran
4 Roscommon (R) 3 0 0 3 47 68 −21 0
half time to leave Roscommon trail- times his jump right to catch the ball
ing by 1-7 to 0-7. Dublin and Kerry share the 2021 NFL title. ahead of Connaire Mackin.
With Niall Grimley, Rian O’Neill Galway and Roscommon are relegated to Division 2 Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE.
• NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH INTO THE WEST – Page 5
Walsh dominates but
improved Galway lose
Dublin ....................2-16
TURN: Galway captain Shane Walsh spins clear
Galway ....................1-15 of Dublin’s David Byrne in their Division 1
South game. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE.
By JOHN FALLON
Media West Ireland
D
UBLIN qualified for the semi-
finals of the Allianz League
with a hard-earned 2-16 to 1-
15 win over Galway in an entertain-
ing contest at Tuam Stadium.
Goals from Con O'Callaghan and
Aaron Byrne proved decisive for the
All-Ireland champions, with Galway
now set to face a relegation play-off.
The sides were level six times in
the opening with Shane Walsh’s fifth
point of the half drawing them level
at 0-08 apiece just before the inter-
val.
Galway won the toss and opted
to play against the strong breeze in
the opening half and were in a strong
position at the break when they went
in level.
The sides were level six times in
the opening half with Galway captain
Walsh leading the way with five
points, two which came from 45s and
two from frees. and worked the ball well into attack TURN: Galway Cormac Costello edged Dublin back
Galway were forced to line out and got back on level terms through captain Shane in front with his second point, Walsh
without Damien Comer who picked Brian Fenton and Colm Basquel. Walsh spins tied them at the break with another
up a hand injury but they made a The sides then exchanged points clear of David pointed free.
good start with points from Peter three times before Ciaran Kilkenny Byrne in their O’Callaghan gave the Leinster
Cooke and Paul Conroy, while and Con O'Callaghan edged Dublin Div 1 South men a great start to the second half
Dublin goalkeeper Michael Shiel and 0-07 to 0-05 in front after half an game. when he finished to the net after
Davy Byrne blocked goal efforts from hour. Photo: Bernard Power had saved from Niall
Matthew Tierney and Sean Kelly. Walsh hit back with a couple of Ramsey Cardy / Scully and that gave them a cushion
The All-Ireland champions settled points for the hosts and when SPORTSFILE. for the third quarter.
Joyce left frustrated by relegation play-off venue
GALWAY manager Pádraic Joyce has hit out huge injury blow. He is going to be out for
at them having to travel to Monaghan for By JOHN FALLON Media West Ireland three, four, or five weeks. He did his thumb
their relegation play-off and he doesn’t last Sunday against Roscommon, he played
believe Séamus McEnaney’s men should have is on but I think it disrespects the whole on with it in the second half, but he has taken
home advantage after breaking Covid rules system and the whole Allianz League if you the tendon off the bone. He is in a bit of
around training during lockdown. are going rewarding a county to get a home bother and is in a race against time to be fit
“I’m just after being told it is away vital game when you broke the rules.” for the Championship.
because they had no home games and we Avoiding the drop became the main “This is his third year in a row so he
had two home games so they are being priority for Joyce in his second year in charge needs some sort of break, at least it isn't a
rewarded for breaking a curfew and I find but, for the third year in a row, Damien muscle injury. He may be able to do some
that unbelievable to be honest,” said Joyce. Comer was a major doubt for the start of the conditioning work. If he comes back in time
“It’s a joke if you ask me and I don’t know championship having picked up a hand injury he will just need the ball handling skills to go
how Croke Park came up with that solution in the win over Roscommon. with it. Before he had leg injuries which
to play in Monaghan. We will play wherever it “He is one of our better players so it is a stopped him training,” added Joyce.
Page 6 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH
Walsh continued to keep Galway SCORERS – Dublin: C O’Callaghan 1-3; C Costello 0-6 (0-1f); A
in touch with an array of points but Byrne 1-0; C Kilkenny 0-3; B Fenton (1 mark), C Basquel 0-2
they still trailed by 1-14 to 0-12 head- each.
ing into the final quarter. Galway: S Walsh 0-10 (0-5f, 0-3 ‘45); M Tierney 1-0, P Cooke 0-
But then a delivery from Paul 2; Rob Finnerty, P Conroy, D McHugh 0-1 each.
Conroy was flicked to the net by DUBLIN: M Shiel; M Fitzsimons, J Cooper, D Byrne; E
Matthew Tierney to cut the gap to Murchan, S McMahon, E Lowndes; B Fenton, P O Cofaigh
two points after 57 minutes. Byrne; N Scully, C Kilkenny, B Howard; C Basquel, C
However, the Tribesmen never O’Callaghan, C Costello. Subs: S Bugler for O Cofaigh Byrne
managed to get any closer as (51, R McDaid for McMahon (51), D Mullin for Scully (64), A
Costello took his haul to six points. Byrne for Basquel (65), T Lahiff for Cooper (72)
Dublin wrapped up the win when
GALWAY: B Power; J Glynn, S Mulkerrin, S Kelly; K Molloy, D
Byrne finished superbly after being
McHugh, L Silke; F O Laoi, P Conroy; P Kelly, P Cooke, J
put through by O’Callaghan in the
Heaney; M Tierney, S Walsh, Rob Finnerty.
dying moments of a good game to
Subs: E Brannigan for P Kelly (45), C Potter for Glynn (48), M
set up a semi-final meeting with O Bairead for O Laoi (53), T Culhane for Finnerty (59), T Flynn
Donegal, while Galway were set to for Cooke (63), J Duane for Molloy (63).
face Monaghan in a relegation play-
off. REF: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).
Glynn looks set to return
“He hyper extended his elbow. It doesn't
By JOHN FALLON Media West Ireland look too good,” said Joyce.
However, a scan revealed a mild elbow
GALWAY manager Padraic Joyce received a strain and he was expected to be back when
timely boost ahead of their relegation Galway would bid to hold on to their top flight
showdown with Monaghan with the U-20 status in a game where Joyce had voiced his
Footballer of the Year Jack Glynn set to be fit anger at having to travel to Monaghan to play
for the encounter in Clones. the game.
Glynn, who skippered the Tribesmen to Glynn, who won’t be 21 until next November,
success against Dublin in the All-Ireland U-20 has settled into the senior grade with ease and
final last December, went off in extreme pain in after a good showing against Dublin until he got
the second-half of their league clash with the injured, his availability would be a big boost for
Dubs in Tuam Stadium. Joyce.
Joyce, with former captain Damien Comer Glynn became the first defender in a decade
doubtful for the start of the championship with since Dublin’s Rory O’Carroll in 2010 to win the
a hand injury, feared the worst for the U-20 Footballer of the Year and the Claregalway
CLEAR: Galway goalkeeper Bernard promising corner-back in the aftermath of the clubman is the first from Galway since Ian
Power moves up the field. 2-16 to 1-15 loss to the All-Ireland champions. Burke in 2013 to win it.
Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE.
CLASH: Galway’s Kieran Molloy and Ciarán
Kilkenny of Dublin challenge for possession
at Tuam Stadium.
Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE.
• NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH INTO THE WEST – Page 7
Three without a win Galway ...................2-16
Roscommon ...........1-13
for Roscommon By JOHN FALLON
Media West Ireland
Kerry ........................2-15
A
FTER what happened in
Roscommon ............1-12 Tralee this was a match that
Galway simply had to win and
they were good value for it on a typi-
By JAMES MURPHY cally windy day in Salthill but it’s
doubtful if either side will place much
stock on it when they clash in the
T
HE 14 men of Kerry were still
Connacht semi-final at Hyde Park on
too strong for Roscommon on
July 4.
their home patch as David Clif- Recent championship clashes
ford scored 1-4 in another win for the between them have paid scant heed
Kingdom. to the formbook and the shortened
Peter Keane’s men remained league campaign with them lumped
unbeaten in Division 1 South of the in with Dublin and Kerry probably set
National Football League, following the sights on their Independence
on from their massive win over Day showdown even more.
Galway and the comeback draw with “I’m sure the match on the 4th of
reigning All-Ireland champions July will be ten times more intense
Dublin. than what that one was,” said
For Roscommon, they were Galway manager Padraic Joyce. He
already set for a relegation play-off, got what he wanted from this game,
and their third successive defeat a good recovery after the 22-point
meant they headed into a play-off hammering in Tralee and a crack at
against Armagh, hoping to regroup Dublin in Tuam Stadium with some-
and get their season back on track thing to play for.
ahead of the championship. “There’s another juggernaut
Kerry were 0-10 to 0-7 ahead at coming down the road at us, full tilt,
half-time and despite Tadhg Morley’s but it is in our own hands. If we beat
sending off, goals from David Clifford Dublin we qualify for a league semi-
and Joe O’Connor were enough to final and that’s the approach we are
stave off any potential shock when Devaney goal, O’Connor hit back OPENING: taking towards the game.”
Conor Devaney found the Kerry net. and ensured Kerry left with their Roscommon’s The fact that several of his
Kerry only needed a point to seal second win of the campaign. Richard charges tasted success in the All-
their place in the final four but it was Hughes Ireland U-20 final against Dublin last
Roscommon who lead after the SCORERS – Kerry: D Clifford 1-4 (0-3 surveys his December would have been no harm
opening quarter at Dr Hyde Park. frees); P Geaney (1 free, 1 mark), D O’Con- options as they were set to entertain the six
But Kerry pushed on after the nor 0-3 each; J O’Connor 1-0; T Brosnan, P against David in a row champions at their tradi-
water break with Paudie Clifford and Clifford 0-2 each; R Buckley 0-1. Clifford of tional home in Tuam.
Diarmuid O’Connor scored points as Roscommon: C Murtagh, D Murtagh (1 Kerry in the “The U-20 win will help them and
Kerry rushed into a four-point advan- mark) 0-3 each; C Devaney 1-0; D Smith (1 National Foot-
free), C Cox 0-2 each; R Hughes, E Smith
a lot of these lads have played
tage. ball League. Dublin three or four times but we
At half-time that lead would be (mark) 0-1 each. Photo:
KERRY: K Fitzgibbon; G O’Sullivan, J Foley, under no illusions. We are probably
three and it would be whittled down Brendan Moran /
T O’Sullivan; B Ó Beaglaoich, G Crowley, M SPORTSFILE. playing the best team that has
further before the game was level, 0- played football ever. They have won
Breen; D Moran, D O’Connor; S O’Brien, R
11 to 0-11, by the 45th minute. six All-Irelands in a row and we know
Buckley, P Geaney; D Clifford, T Brosnan, P
Roscommon had showed a Clifford. Subs: A Spillane for D Moran well it will be a dogfight in Tuam, a
marked improvement after their poor (blood, 1-3); S O’Shea for R Buckley, P battle, and we have to hope we can
showing against Connacht rivals Murphy for G O’Sullivan (both 46); T Walsh come out the right side of it.”
Galway in Pearse Stadium and they for T Brosnan, T Morley for T O’Sullivan This was Galway’s first competi-
had their chance to pull off an (both 52); G White for P Geaney (55); J tive win since trouncing Tyrone in the
unlikely win. Sherwood for D Moran (67); J O’Connor for
S O’Brien (70+1). league back in February last year —
Enda Smith levelled proceedings nobody in the county can recall them
when he scored from a mark and ROSCOMMON: C Lavin; B Stack, C Daly, D
Murray; R Daly, C Hussey, R Hughes; E ever going 15 months before without
although Kerry came back to take winning a game— and Joyce was
the lead again Morley was sent-off Smith, T O’Rourke; N Kilroy, C Murtagh, S
Killoran; D Murtagh, D Smith, C Cox. pleased with the response to the
for a high tackle on Cian McKeon. Subs: C McKeon for D Smith (50); P Kerry collapse.
But one of the crucial scores Gillooly for C Cox, H Darcy for N Kilroy “They trained hard all week and,
came in the 57th minute when the (both 55); E Nolan for T O’Rourke, S in fairness, the only way was up after
two Clifford brothers combined with Mullooly for R Daly (both 62); C Devaney last week and they produced the
David Clifford finishing to the net. for S Killoran (67); D Ruane for D Murtagh goods today, kicking 2-16 and proba-
Roscommon couldn’t keep tabs (68).
bly not playing as well as they can
with their visitors and despite a late REF: J McQuillan (Cavan).
Page 8 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH
Galway take the spoils before
Connacht championship renewal
play. You’d have to be proud of the second-half, all of them from play
lads. They worked hard and put a bit TACKLE: Paul Conroy in except for the opener which he got
of pride and passion back in the action against Cathal Cregg from a mark.
jersey and got the result they (right) and Eddie Nolan. Three points from Shane Walsh
deserved in the end. Photo: Harry Murphy / and another from Finnerty, with
“We know Roscommon are a SPORTSFILE. Donie Smith and Murtagh respond-
good side and they probably didn’t ing, left Galway leading by 1-11 to 0-
perform to the level they can today, 10 after 47 minutes and they took a
but maybe we stifled that a bit as four-point lead into the second water
well. break after Walsh and Donie Smith
“The early goal was a huge exchanged points.
boost. We are always trying to set Donie Smith added a free to cut
the tone of the game and get control the gap to a goal with 13 minutes
of it straight away. Roscommon had remaining but Comer landed a good
a wide and we came up the pitch, effort to restore their four-point
worked the ball well and in fairness advantage before Walsh pushed it
to Paul, he stuck the goal well.” out to five with a superb point from
That goal from Paul Kelly, after play.
being set up by a surge in from the Ciarain Murtagh gave Roscom-
right by Damien Comer, was a big mon hope when he fisted a Shane
blow to a Roscommon side who Killoran delivery to the net but then
opted for wind advantage but found Galway found the net when Tomo
themselves 1-7 to 0-8 adrift after fail- Culhane fisted home after goal-
ing to make the most of the keeper Lavin failed to deal with a
elements. delivery from another sub Dessie
Rob Finnerty was in superb form Conneely, leaving Roscommon with-
for Galway, kicking four points before out a point after two games.
the break and adding a fifth in the “The positive for us is that we
played well to get back in the match,
to get a great goal, but then to
Finnerty wants further improvement concede a goal straight after is
something that can’t happen at this
level because the game was effec-
We got a good start, the early goal pushed us tively over then,” said Roscommon
By JOHN FALLON Media West Ireland on. We were obviously very disappointed after manager Anthony Cunningham.
last week and we were just looking to bounce “That’s disappointing but some-
GALWAY forward Rob Finnerty wanted to back back and now we are just looking forward to thing we will be working on week on
up his best performance yet for the Tribesmen Dublin.” week and hopefully we will be all set
by having a crack at Dublin with a league semi- Finnerty said that their Connacht semi-final for the 4th of July, which is our big
final spot up for grabs. showdown against Roscommon on July 4 wasn’t day of destiny this year.”
The Salthill/Knocknacarra clubman shot five mentioned during the week as they put all their
points in their 2-16 to 1-13 win over neighbours focus on this league meeting with Anthony SCORERS – Galway: S Walsh 0-7 (5f), R
Finnerty 0-5 (1m), T Culhane 1-1, P Kelly 1-
Roscommon. The first came from a mark and Cunningham’s side.
0, D Comer 0-2, J Heaney 0-1.
the other four were sublime efforts from play as “Any time you get beaten by 22 points you
Padraic Joyce’s men bounced back from their are going to be disappointed. But it’s early in Roscommon: C Murtagh 1-5 (4f), D Smith
22-point drubbing by Kerry. the season yet so we just stuck together for the 0-7 (5f), E Smith 0-1.
They were set to host All-Ireland champions week and we said we would put in a big shift GALWAY: B Power; S Kelly, S Mulkerrin, J
Dublin in Tuam battling for a semi-final spot or against Roscommon and I think that showed. Glynn; K Molloy, D McHugh, L Silke; M Tier-
facing a relegation play-off if they lost. “We will take confidence from the ney, P Conroy; P Kelly, D Comer, F Ó’Laoi; R
But Finnerty, whose dad Anthony played in performance, everyone worked hard and Finnerty, E Brannigan, S Walsh.
the 1989 and ’96 All-Ireland finals for Mayo, hopefully we will get the win against Dublin.” Subs: P Cooke for P Kelly (42), J Heaney
Finnerty, a key member of the Galway minor for Brannigan (49), D Conneely for
said the key factor against Roscommon was to
Finnerty (61), T Culhane for Tierney (61), R
post a response to the heavy Kerry loss. team which reached the 2016 All-Ireland and
Steede for Comer (68), J Duane for
“We just knew in our situation that we had the U-21 final the following year, said he was McHugh (70), G O’Donnell for Molloy (70).
to win this one. It was as simple as that. If we delighted to see the points flying over against
didn’t win we would be looking at relegation but Roscommon but feels there is more in the tank. ROSCOMMON: C Lavin; D Murray, G
Patterson, N Daly; B Stack, R Hughes, S
we have given ourselves a chance now, I “I was pleased enough but I left two soft
Mullooly; E Nolan, T O’Rourke; C Devaney,
suppose, to aim for the league semi-finals. ones behind me so I am not too happy with C Cregg, E Smith; D Smith, C McKeon, C
“We are delighted and after last week it was myself but I suppose five from seven was Murtagh. Subs: D Neary for Patterson
great to bounce back and we’re looking forward alright, I’ll take it. It is probably my best (29), C Hussey for Hughes (h-t), D Murtagh
to Dublin now. shooting form with Galway so far, so I’ll take for Devaney (h-t), S Killoran for McKeon
“We started off well and, it’s funny, we often and push on next week against Dublin,” he (47), C Cox for Cregg (50), N Kilroy for
play better against the wind in Pearse Stadium. added. Nolan (50), H Darcy for C Murtagh (67).
REF: David Coldrick (Meath).
• NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH INTO THE WEST – Page 9
Costello blitz
ends home hopes
Colm Lavin plays the ball forward.
Photos: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE.
A couple of Donie Smith frees
kept Roscommon in touch but Dublin
saw out the final quarter.
SCORERS – Dublin: C Costello 1-13 (0-8f,
1-1 pen, 0-1m), C Kilkenny 0-4 (0-1m), P
Small 0-2, B Fenton, T Lahiff and D Mullin
0-1 each.
Roscommon: D Smith 0-6 (0-5f), C
Murtagh 0-6 (0-2f), E Nolan, N Daly, E
Smith and D Murtagh 0-1 each.
SOLO:Enda
Smith moves DUBLIN: M Shiel; S McMahon, D Byrne, E
Murchan; J McCarthy, J Small, R McDaid; B
past the
Fenton, T Lahiff; N Scully, C Kilkenny, D
challenge of Mullin; P Small, C O’Callaghan, C Costello.
Colm Basquel. Subs: M Fitzsimons for McMahon (50), C
shone in front of goal. Basquel for Mullin (50), C McHugh for P
Dublin ....................1-22 Dublin were 1-12 to 0-9 in front at Small (57), P O Cofaigh Byrne for Lahiff
(57), E Lowndes for McCarthy (66), R
Roscommon ..........0-16 half-time after Costello’s goal and Basquel for O’Callaghan (65), P McMahon
that would be the difference in the for Murchan (68).
end, ensuring they did not have to ROSCOMMON: C Lavin; F Lennon, G
By TOM MURPHY worry about a comeback threat from Patterson, D Murray; C Hussey, N Daly, B
their hosts. Stack; E Nolan, S Killoran; N Kilroy, C
Michael Shiel, Tom Lahiff, Dara Cregg, E Smith; D Smith, D Murtagh, C
C
ORMAC Costello was the Mullin and Sean McMahon all came Murtagh. Subs: C Devaney for Kilroy (HT),
chief sharpshooter for Dublin into the Dublin starting 15 before C McKeon for Cregg (41), C Daly for Stack
as they were too strong for throw-in and Dublin were especially (45), C Cox for D Murtagh (50), D Neary for
Roscommon in their National Foot- brilliant before the first water break. Lennon (50), R Hughes for C Daly (66).
ball League Division 1 South opener. The decisive score came in the REF: Derek O’Mahoney (Tipperary).
The longest off-season in the 18th minute after Brian Stack fouled
history of the GAA finally ended but the advancing Paddy Small. Costello OPEN: Conor Hussey in
the six-in-a-row All-Ireland champi- slotted the resultant penalty, Stack action.
ons came to Dr Hyde Park and left was shown a black card for his Photo: Stephen McCarthy /
with a nine-point win in a drab affair. involvement and Dublin never looked SPORTSFILE.
Costello was in outstanding form back.
and the Whitehall Colmcille attacker Dublin continued to push before
began his 2021 campaign with a half-time and even though Niall Daly,
scorching display taking full advan- Donie Smith and Ciaran Murtagh
tage of the new rule changes. scored for Roscommon, Costello left
For Anthony Cunningham and his the field with 1-8 already to his
Roscommon players, they had to name.
regroup ahead of a clash with Dublin piled on the pressure
Connacht rivals Galway in Round 2. again after half-time and Costello
Meanwhile Dublin had to make was presented with his second
do without their manager with Dessie penalty opportunity when Fergal
Farrell beginning his suspension Lennon fouled Dara Mullin. Lennon
from the sidelines but it mattered was sent to the sin-bin but this time
little to the men from the capital who Costello missed his spot-kick.
Page 10 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTHClifford shines in the rain
Kerry ......................4-21
Galway ...................0-11
By RONAN O’NEILL
D
AVID Clifford was at his bril-
liant best as Kerry laid down
an early marker with a stun-
ning display against Galway in
Tralee.
This was Kerry’s first competitive
fixture since they were shocked late
on against Cork in last year’s
Munster semi-final, and they didn’t
disappoint.
Galway couldn’t keep up and
their return to action following the
2020 Connacht final defeat to Mayo,
ended in a whimper. There was
much to improve for Padraic Joyce’s
men.
But Clifford was the star of the
show and he scored 3-6 while his
brother Paudie chipped in with the
other goal in dreadful conditions at
Austin Stack Park.
was a palmed finish after the pass CONTROL: for D Moynihan (61), M Breen for P Murphy
Kerry had a big 2-10 to 0-6 lead (66).
from Sean O’Shea. Galway’s
at half-time and they didn’t relent on
Galway were dismal early on and Damien GALWAY: B Power, J Glynn, S Ó
the resumption with bigger chal- Maoilchiaráin, L Silke, G O’Donnell, D
Paudie Clifford quickly put Kerry into Comer powers
lenges on the horizon, none more so McHugh, J Heaney, P Cooke, P Conroy, P
a 2-7 to 0-3 lead. Dara Moynihan through the
than Dublin at Semple Stadium in Kelly, M Tierney, E Brannigan, D Conneely,
gave the assist on this occasion. challenge of
Thurles. D Comer, S Walsh. Subs: C Sweeney for J
Kerry were dominant all over the Kerry’s Tadhg
Paudie Clifford and Damien Heaney (27), R Steede for P Cooke (27), R
field while Killian Spillane notched Morley. Finnerty for P Kelly (HT), S Kelly for G
Comer traded points inside the open-
four points from play as the home Photo: O’Donnell (HT), F O Laoi for P Conroy (49,
ing two minutes, and it looked as Brendan Moran /
side went into half-time with a ten- inj), T Culhane for D Conneely (58), K
though a classic was set to unfold, SPORTSFILE.
the next few minutes quickly point lead. Molloy for E Brannigan (60).
quenched that ember. David Clifford tagged on a second REF: Conor Lane (Cork).
Kerry were 0-6 to 0-1 in front goal in the 37th minute and the
before the start of the second quar- game was up for the tired visitors.
ter, and David Clifford had scored 1- And within five minutes Clifford
6 by the first water break, his goal completed his hat-trick with a stun-
ning finish when he fooled Galway
goalkeeper Bernard Power and a
couple of diving defenders, to finish
low to the net.
Kerry cruised to their win after
that while Galway turned their atten-
tions to a must-win clash with
Roscommon.
SCORERS – Kerry: D Clifford 3-6 (0-1f, 0-
1m), S O’Shea 0-7 (4f, 1m, 2 ‘45’), P Clifford
1-2, K Spillane 0-4, P O’Shea 0-1, T Walsh 0-
1 (m)
Galway: P Conroy 0-2 (1f), D Comer 0-2, S
Walsh 0-2 (1f), M Tierney 0-1, D Conneely
0-1, S Kelly 0-1, K Molloy 0-1, R Finnerty 0-1
(f)
KERRY: K Fitzgibbon, B O Beaglaoich, T
Morley, J Foley, P Murphy, G Crowley, G
White, D Moran, J Barry, D Moynihan, S
O’Shea, P Geaney, D Clifford, K Spillane, P
Clifford. Subs: P O’Shea for P Geaney (41), SKILLS: Galway captain Shane Walsh tries to keep the ball
CLEAR: Galway forward Eamonn Branni- D O’Connor for D Moran (41), T Walsh for D in play despite the attentions of Jason Foley of Kerry in
gan moves forward against Kerry in Clifford (51), A Spillane for B O Beagaloich Division 1 South at Austin Stack Park in Tralee.
Tralee. Photo: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE (56), G O’Sullivan for G White (56), M Burns Photo: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE.
• NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 SOUTH INTO THE WEST – Page 11Mayo hold off Clare surge to
book passage back to top flight
Mayo ......................2-22 FOUL: Aidan O’Shea is held back
Clare .......................2-18 by Gavin Cooney at Cusack Park in
Ennis.
Photo: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE.
By COLM GANNON
The Mayo Advertiser
M
AYO are back in division one
for next year - they got the
result they needed in Ennis,
but left the Munster venue with
plenty of questions still to be
answered and few more headaches
after picking up injuries to two key
men.
Cillian O’Connor had kicked 1-4
in his 100th appearance for Mayo
before he had to limp out of the
action just before the break, follow-
ing in the footsteps of his younger
brother Diramuid who left the fray not
long after ten minutes had elapsed.
With Mayo opening up their
championship away to Sligo they will
be hoping that the injuries to the
Ballintubber pair are not serious, with
no let up in the hopeful run of games
coming up over the next two months.
Mayo looked to have this game
done and dusted nine minutes into points clear - but what happened FOUL: Aidan going to get to the level they aim to
the second half when Rory Brick- after that is something that will have O’Shea is held be.
enden slotted over Mayo’s 17th point James Horan and his management back by Gavin When Mayo were at their best,
of the day after being picked out by team, knowing there is still lots that Cooney at they were thrilling, free flowing and
Kevin McLoughlin to put his side 10 Mayo have to work on if they are Cusack Park great to watch. They played with
in Ennis. abandon and attacked at every
Photo: opportunity with powerful runs from
Brendan Moran / deep supplementing quick thinking
SPORTSFILE.
and intelligent darts from their attack-
ing numbers.
But they have yet to find the right
bolt to keep the stable door shut at
the back and while they have been
running up big scores themselves,
they have looked shaky at the back
at times and against better opposi-
tion, it could cause serious issues.
The first quarter of the game saw
Mayo shake off an early Clare surge
to go in leading 1-7 to 0-5 at the
break. The goal coming from the
penalty spot after Cillian O’Connor
had dusted himself down after being
fouled by Cillian Brennan. Kevin
McLoughlin picked off a Stephen
Ryan kick-out and moved the ball to
O’Connor who was shaping to shoot
for goal when he was taken down
from behind.
CHANCE: Mayo forward Ryan O’Donoghue has time to turn on the ball before the Clare had put themselves into a
challenge of Ciaran Russell in their promotion play-off at Ennis. 0-5 to 0-3 lead nine minutes in
Photo: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE. thanks to a rash of fine scores from
Page 12 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 2 NORTHthe likes of Eoin Cleary and David
Tubridy - but Mayo took control of
the game back with Tommy Conroy
kicking a brace, Bryan Walsh arcing
one over from a tight spot and
O’Connor pointing from play along
with his goal to put Mayo five clear at
the water break.
The really should have had a
second goal before the first break
called by the referee, but Matthew
Ruane was unable to get his shot
away with enough power after driv-
ing through the heart of the Clare
defence.
The second quarter was much of
the same as the end of the first, with
Mayo moving the ball well at pace
through both hands and with the foot
as they kicked another 1-6 to Clare’s
0-3. Mayo’s second goal just on the
half hour mark was another demon-
stration of their power in attack.
Lee Keegan picked up the ball in
attack from Oisin Mullin, he made a
surging run before laying it off to
Tommy Conroy. The Neale man had
Mullin keeping up his run on his
shoulder and Conroy found him at
speed. Mullin kept his nerve and side
stepped a Clare defender before
finishing from close range to the
back of the net.
Points followed from Keegan,
O’Connor and Ryan O’Donoghue
who put in another good shift for Clare rearguard, but the Munster QUICK: Paul leave Mayo open to a sucker punch
Mayo before the break and they men kept coming back and a brace Towey of of a goal that would have sent the
went in leading 2-13 to 0-8. Job done of points from Cleary and one from Mayo gets his game to extra time, but late on
it looked like and all eyes were now sub Emmet McMahon who finished shot off Paddy Durcan once again stepped
firmly focused on Sligo. the day with three to his name - had despite the up and showed his leadership to kick
The early exchanges in the just five between the teams at the attentions of the injury time point to put Mayo four
second half saw Cleary and Ruane water break. Cillian Bren- clear and back into division one for
exchange points, before the first The final quarter was all about nan and Cian next season.
worry line appeared for Mayo. David Mayo trying to control the game and O’Dea.
SCORERS – Mayo: C O’Connor (1-4, 1-0
Tubridy lined up a free from out on see it out and Clare looking to play Photo:
Pen, 1f, 1m); T Conroy, P Towey (2f) (0-3
the far side of the field, his effort the game at a manic pace and catch Brendan Moran /
each); R O’Donoghue (1f, 1m), M Ruane, P
dropped short and Darren O’Neil Mayo out again - they gave it a good SPORTSFILE.
Durcan (0-2 each); O Mullin (1-0); B Walsh,
ghosted in unmarked at the back go, but the likes of Aidan O’Shea and S Coen, K McLoughlin, L Keegan, R Brick-
post to flick the ball out of the grasp Lee Keegan in particular stood up to enden, D McHale (0-1 each).
of Robert Hennelly in the Mayo goal keep control of the ball and work Clare: E Cleary (0-8, 6f); G Cooney (1-1); E
to raise the first green flag of the day possession around the house to take McMahon, D Tubridy (0-3 each); D O’Neill
for Clare. the sting out of it late one. (1-0); C O’Connor, P Lillis, P Collins (0-1
Mayo looked to have ridden out Clare did manage to bring the each).
that storm with Conroy, Paul Towey gap back to three points late on and MAYO: R Hennelly; O Mullin, L Keegan, E
and Brickenden responding with Hession; R Brickenden, P Durcan, S Coen;
points for James Horan’s side, with DIVISION 2 NORTH M Ruane, D O’Connor; K McLoughlin, A
Tubridy getting one back for Clare - Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts O’Shea, B Walsh; T Conroy, C O’Connor, R
to leave Mayo leading 2-17 to 1-10 1 Mayo (P) 3 3 0 0 74 50 +24 6 O’Donoghue. Subs: J Flynn for D O’Connor
and still looking in control of the (11), P Towey for C O’Connor (35), D McHale
2 Meath 3 2 0 1 55 55 0 4
game. for O’Donoghue (51), E O’Donoghue for
3 Down 3 1 0 2 41 60 −19 2 Hession (53), C Loftus for Conroy (62), C
But on 45 minutes having just
about escaped conceding a second 4 Westmeath (R) 3 0 0 3 45 50 −5 0 O’Shea for Brickenden (62).
Clare goal, Mayo did just that. CLARE: S Ryan; C Russell, C Brennan, E
Tubridy again was the supplier drop- DIVISION 2 SOUTH Collins; C O’Dea, S Collins, D Walsh; D
ping a long ball in on top of O’Neill, Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts O’Neill, C O’Connor; P Lillis, E Cleary, D
who out jumped Aidan O’Shea at the 1 Kildare (P) 3 2 0 1 55 41 +14 4 Bohannon; G Cooney, J McGann, D Tubridy.
back post and fed the ball to Gavin 2 Clare 3 2 0 1 56 47 +9 4 Subs: C Ó hÁiniféin for Walsh (23), P
Cooney who finished the ball to the 3 Cork 3 2 0 1 54 49 +5 4 Collins for McGann (HT), C Jordan for E
net from close range. Collins (HT), A Griffin for Cooney (51), E
4 Laois (R) 3 0 0 3 33 61 −28 0
Again Mayo looked like the McMahon for O’Connor (51), C Rouine for Ó
responded well when Paddy Durcan Mayo and Kildare share the Division 2 title. hÁiniféin (58), K Sexton for Lillis (58).
pointed after a big run through the Westmeath and Laois are relegated to Division 3 REF: N Cullen (Fermanagh).
• NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 2 NORTH INTO THE WEST – Page 13O’Shea returns in
scoring the other goal and point, he
had been set up by Diarmuid O'Con-
nor for the killer second goal.
And Mayo never looked back
from here - Carr fired a third goal
victory over Meath before half-time when he won a
Matthew Ruane delivery and finished
low to the net.
Mayo were 12 points in front at
half-time and although Bryan Menton
Mayo .......................3-17 scored a stunning goal in the 42nd
minute there would be no comeback.
Meath .....................2-12 Horan went to his bench in the
closing stages and the Mayo
By DARAGH SMALL manager watched on as one of his
championship hopefuls, Paul Towey,
Media West Ireland helped himself to three points.
But it was the return of O'Shea
from injury, and the subsequent point
M
AYO manager James Horan
was delighted to see Aidan with his first touch, that really would
O'Shea back in action as have pleased the Mayo contingent.
Mayo notched another win en route For Meath, promotion back to
to a promotion decider with Clare. Division 1 remains the goal despite
The reigning Connacht champi- this big defeat. And the Leinster outfit
ons were impressive when they hit will face a familiar foe in a fortnight
fifth gear at home to Meath in when they line out opposite Kildare
MacHale Park, Castlebar. in a straight shootout for promotion.
James Carr scored two goals "Promotion is a big aim for us,"
while Cillian O'Connor also helped said McEntee.
himself to one, before being taken off " You want to be playing teams
at half-time, with Mayo making it like Mayo all the time. It is not the be
three wins in a row at the start of all and end all but it is important, we
2021. want to be playing the top tier teams
Horan has handed out five league as much as possible.
debuts this year but it was the return "You would hope so (it would
of O'Shea that really caught the eye bridge the gap to Dublin). That is the
in their final Allianz NFL Division 2 plan. The more often you are
North fixture. exposed to quality opposition like we
"We played Clare over the years FINISH: Mayo were exposed to here, the better
The Breaffy clubman suffered a in a lot of challenge games and they ace forward fellas will get from it.
serious knee injury in training earlier are an excellent team, in how they James Carr "It is key (to get back to Division
in the campaign but he was intro- set up and play the game. scores a bril- 1). You have got to learn from games
duced as a 47th minute sub, before "That is going to be a big battle liant goal like this and you want to be playing
tapping over a point. and we are looking forward to it." despite Conor teams like that all the time.
"We have a few guys with knocks Mayo had secured a 1-9 to 2-5 McGill’s best "For the longer term it is always
and bangs so hopefully they will be win over Meath when the sides met efforts. going to be good to be playing Divi-
okay and in contention for two in Round 3 of the league last year, Photo: sion 1 teams.”
weeks' time," said Horan. but the beautiful conditions on Sam Barnes /
SPORTSFILE. SCORERS – Mayo: J Carr 2-1, C O'Connor
"We have a strong panel and lots Sunday leant to a more high-scoring 1-4 (1-0 pen, 0-2f, 0-1m), P Towey 0-3 (0-
of guys that are fighting at a similar encounter this time around. 2f), D McHale 0-2, M Ruane 0-2, B Walsh 0-
level. It's all to play for in the next And the teams had already 2, M Plunkett 0-1, F Boland 0-1, A O'Shea
few weeks and we will see how that eclipsed that scoreline by half-time, 0-1. Meath: J Conlon 0-4 (0-3f), M
goes. when Mayo took a massive 3-11 to Newman 0-4 (0-3f), B McMahon 1-0, B
"But Aidan is a very good ball 1-5 lead into the break. Menton 1-0, E Wallace 0-2, J Flynn 0-1 (0-
player and we know that for the last 1f), J O'Connor 0-1.
Mayo were 0-3 to 0-0 ahead after
decade. His skills on the ball are six minutes - Cillian O'Connor was MAYO: R Hennelly; E O'Donoghue, O
very good and he reads it very well. Mullin, L Keegan; M Plunkett, S Coen, F
on target twice - and the ace marks- Boland; M Ruane, J Carney; D O'Connor, D
He was into the game really quickly." man added a goal shortly after the McHale, B Walsh; R O'Donoghue, C O'Con-
Mayo and Meath were already water-break. nor, J Carr. Subs: C Boyle for Keegan (HT),
guaranteed a spot in the play-offs Mayo held a narrow 0-7 to 1-2 P Towey for C O'Connor (HT), E McLaughlin
prior to this clash but it was still an lead at that stage, following Bryan for Boland (47), A O'Shea for Carney (47),
impressive eight-point win for the McMahon's finish after Rob Hennelly D Coen for O'Donoghue (61), J Flynn for
hosts, ahead off their winner-takes- saved well from Jason Scully in the McHale (63), T Conroy for Carr (65).
all game against Clare. 15th minute. MEATH: H Hogan; S Lavin, C McGill, E
"It's about developing and grow- But five minutes later Mayo were Harkin; J O'Connor, B McMahon, C Hickey;
ing, each game that we play," said B Menton, D Dillon; E Wallace, J Scully, J
on their way to victory when the
Flynn; J Wallace, D Campion, J Conlon.
Horan. Meath goalscorer, McMahon, hauled Subs: S McEntee for McMahon (half-time),
"That is what we are trying to do, down Bryan Walsh and Cillian D Keogan for Hickey (half-time), P Harnan
develop a squad and tweak things. O'Connor stepped up to score from for Dillon (half-time), D Dixon for Campion
Some of it is working and some of it the penalty spot. (40), M Newman for Scully (50), R Ryan for
is not but winning games along the Mayo scored an unanswered 2-1 Conlon (50), L Byrne for Hogan (50).
way is good as well. in this three-minute spell, with Carr REF: Martin McNally (Monaghan).
Page 14 – INTO THE WEST • NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 2 NORTHO’Connor points the way to victory
resumption and a Paddy Durcan
Mayo ......................0-21 point following a barreling run had
Westmeath ............2-12 Mayo three clear by the 57th minute.
Westmeath weren’t going away
though and a point from Ray
By COLM GANNON Connelleon had them back in the
Mayo Advertiser game. Bryan Walsh showed quick
thinking to win a mark and then play
a quick one two with Ryan
O’Donoghue before putting the ball
F
OR the second week in a row over the bar.
Mayo kicked 21 points and Cillian O’Connor moved the
picked up two points, but it was scoreboard further in Mayo’s favour
a far more difficult assignment than with another pointed placed ball, but
the faced seven days previously Mayo were about to be given a warn-
against Down. ing Westmeath were intent on stay-
The midlanders hit the front two ing around in this one.
minutes in when Luke Loughlin hit They worked the ball well down
the back of the net, the Westmeath the right flank and it ended up in the
corner forward reacted quickest hands of Brandon Kelly who shot for
when a Ronan O’Toole effort came goal forcing Hennelly into a fine
back off the post, Loughlin collected save. The resulting 45 was pointed
the ball, rounded Robert Hennelly by Loughlin who then repeated the
and finished low to the back of the trick a minute later to leave the score
net. 0-17 to 2-9 in Mayo’s favour.
Westmeath could have been Kevin McLoughlin who had come
even further ahead, but John Heslin on as a half-time sub kicked a reliv-
was finding it hard to get his eye in ing score for Mayo - showing all his
early pulling two efforts the wrong leadership and experience.
side of the posts early doors. Heslin pointed from a free to keep
Mayo got motoring on the score- his men in touch, before Durcan kept
board when Eoghan McLaughlin Mayo’s noses in front - but West-
looped one over the bar after good meath kept coming Kieran Martin hit
build up play involving Michael Plun- a fine point and Heslin pointed
kett and Conor Loftus. another free to bring the gap back to
Heslin found his range seven just a single point.
minutes from a place ball for his that was haunted by the intervention CHANCE: The game was there to be won
sides first point of the afternoon of the Ballintubber man. Fionn McDon- and Mayo showed all their experi-
before Paddy Durcan, who put in a Mayo did responded well with agh of Mayo in ence to do so, Cillian O’Connor got
big showing all day got the first of his Ryan O’Donoghe pointing from a action against his only point of the day from play
points for Mayo to keep them in mark and O’Connor converting a free David Lynch of from a tough angle after some
touch early doors. after Oisin Mullin had been fouled. Westmeath patient build up play and he rounded
Conor Loftus pointed from range But Heslin kicked two frees either during their off the day with a pointed free to seal
and Cillian O’Connor put over his side of a Jordan Flynn point that National the win and the two points for Mayo.
first of the day to send the teams in could have ended up in the back of League tie at
all square at the water break on a the net - to send in Westmeath in Cusack Park SCORES – Mayo: C O’Connor 0-8 (7f), P
score of 0-4 to 1-1. leading 2-5 to 0-11 at the break. in Mullingar. Durcan 0-3, M Ruane 0-2, C Loftus 0-2, B
Mayo started the second quarter Mayo pulled themselves level not Photo: Walsh 0-1, E McLaughlin 0-1, K McLoughlin
brightest with Matthew Ruane getting long after there restart when Tommy Stephen McCarthy 0-1, R O’Donoghue 0-1 (1m), T Conroy 0-1.
/ SPORTSFILE. Westmeath: J Heslin 1-6 (4f, 1-0 pen), L
two quick points, his first could have Conroy pointed, but the hosts edged Loughlin 1-2 (2 45’), R Connellon 0-1, G
ended up in the net as he broke in themselves back in front quickly Egan 0-1, R O’Toole 0-1 (1m), K Martin 0-1.
along the end line and his second afterwards when Ronan O’Toole MAYO: R Hennelly; B Doyle, O Mullin, L
coming from distance to edge Mayo pointed a mark. Keegan; M Plunkett, P Durcan, E McLaugh-
two clear. Diarmuid O’Connor almost hit the lin; M Ruane, D O’Connor; F McDonagh, C
Ger Egan pointed a fine score on back of the net not long after he Loftus, J Flynn; T Conroy, C O’Connor, R
the right for the hosts, before Loftus retuned to the fray, when he got on O’Donoghue. Subs: C Boyle for Doyle, K
landed his second of the day from the end of the a move involving McLoughlin for Flynn, B Walsh for McDon-
long range, which was replied to in Matthew Ruane and Loftus but his agh (all HT), J Carr for Loftus (51), R Brick-
no time by a Heslin free to leave just effort just flew past the target. enden for McLaughlin (59), A Orme for
Conroy (63), J Carney for D O’Connor (66).
one between the teams as the half A brace of frees from Cillian
hour mark approached. O’Connor edged Mayo in front by the WESTMEATH: J Daly; N Mulligan, K
Maguire, B Sayeh; J Dolan, R Wallace, J
The Lakelanders struck for their slimmest of margins before the Gonoud; S Duncan, R Connellan; D Lynch, D
second goal from the penalty spot on second water break and it was all to Caorroon, G Egan; R O’Toole, J Heslin, L
30 minutes, Heslin converted from play for heading into the final quarter Loughlin. Subs: F Ayorinde fro Caorroon
the placed ball after Diarmuid O’Con- of the game. (44), B Kelly for Duncan (52), C Slevin for
nor was shown a black card for a trip The Ballintubber marksman Lynch (63), K Martin for McCartan (65), T
on Ronan Wallace who’d got on the edged Mayo further clear with McDaniel for Egan (66).
end of a flowing vestment move - another pointed free after there REF: Noel Mooney (Cavan).
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