Killala vanquish last season's demons and capture the Mary Walsh Cup
Killala lift the Mary Walsh Cup after defeating Westport United in the final. Photo: Aaron Gallagher Photography
Killala claimed the Mary Walsh League Cup on Sunday morning, with a well-deserved victory over a youthful Westport side.
After a first half which lacked excitement, the North Mayo side played some excellent football in the second period to secure the victory although they fell behind early on.
With nine minutes played, the ball fell to Westport United captain, Sinead Hughes Loftus, just outside of the Killala box. She took one touch and fired the ball over the outstretched Emma Munnelly to give the Covies a 1-0 lead.
Killala refused to let their heads drop and only five minutes after the Westport goal, they found themselves an equaliser. Former Sligo Rovers underage player Alison Long made a superb run down the right wing before crossing the ball to Alva Munnelly who had found space within the Westport box. Munnelly made no mistake and fired the ball into the net.
The game turned cagey and chances were few and far between as the game approached the half time mark.
With 44 minutes on the clock, after a good passage of play, the lively Alva Munnelly took a shot on goal, which hit a Westport hand on its way toward the target.
Referee Daniel Clarke pointed to the penalty spot without hesitation, and Alva Munnelly calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net from the spot kick to give Killala a 2-1 lead at the interval.
The second period began at a much livelier pace. Alison Long continued to cause problems for the Westport defence, while Alice Chambers was working hard for the team in black and red.
It felt as though the next goal would be crucial, and ultimately, it fell to Killala. The game was 59 minutes old when player-of-the-match, Alva Munnelly displayed some excellent skill on the left-wing, before playing an inch-perfect ball across the box to the oncoming Ciara Murphy, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Despite Westport's best efforts, they were unable to create any sort of comeback. The closest opportunity came from an Aoife Gannon free kick which was just over the crossbar in the 82nd minute.
Killala remained composed to see out the game and ensure that Emma Munnelly would lift the Mary Walsh cup as the final whistle sounded.
Killala FC; Emma Munnelly, Regan O’Boyle, Sarah Costello, Deirbhile McHale, Aoibhin Bilbow, Leona Ruane, Niamh Collins, Laura Bilbow, Alison Long, Ciara Murphy, Alva Munnelly. Subs; Mia Tighe (for Collins 72), Catherine Egan (for Murphy 81), Deirbhile Forde (for O’Boyle 85), Ciara Adams (for Ruane 87), Sarah Farrell (for L Bilbow 90+1).
Westport United; Rebecca Hastings, Anna Maloney, Molly Farrell, Aoife Gannon, Ashling Duffy, Sophie Scahill, Sinead Hughes Loftus, Alice Chambers, Aoibheann Chambers, Rachel Browne, Chloe Chambers. Subs; Kate Chambers (for Aoibheann Chambers 71), Orlaith McGeough (for Scahill 71).
Referee; Daniel Clarke
