Excellence celebrated at Mayo Football League Youth Awards

Excellence celebrated at Mayo Football League Youth Awards

Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Kilmurry's Keaton Walsh with the U17 Division One Player of the Month award for April at the Youth Awards night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar. Pictures: Michael Donnelly

The 2025 Mayo Football League Youth Awards took place on Monday, April 6 last, at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, bringing together players, coaches, volunteers and families from across the county for a night of recognition and celebration.

The event was hosted by Angelina Nugent, with League Chairman Gerry Sweeney opening proceedings. In his address, he praised the dedication of clubs throughout Mayo, acknowledging the work being carried out at every level. He paid tribute to volunteers who give their time in coaching, administration and development roles, noting that their efforts continue to produce talented players across the length and breadth of the county.

The awards night once again highlighted the strength of underage football across Mayo. With clubs from every part of the county represented among the winners, the depth of talent and commitment continues to grow.

From grassroots volunteers to emerging players, the evening reflected the collective effort that drives the game forward, ensuring a strong future for football in Mayo.

Following the meal, presentations were led by members of the League Management Committee, recognising achievements across under-17 and under-18 competitions.

Marian Robinson, Mayo Football League, presents the U18 Division One Golden Boot award to Ballyhaunis Town's Marcos Luis de Moraes.
Marian Robinson, Mayo Football League, presents the U18 Division One Golden Boot award to Ballyhaunis Town's Marcos Luis de Moraes.

Player of the Month Awards 

At U17 Premier Division level, awards went to Aaron Coogan, Brian O’Donnell and Niall Tracey (Castlebar Town).

In Division One, Keelan Barrett and Gabriel Hugget (Iorras Aontaithe), along with Keaton Walsh (Kilmurry), were recognised.

Division Two awards went to Ryan Duggan and Ethan Duffy (Ballyglass) and Patrick O’Connor (Killala), while in Division Three, Joey Hanley (Achill Rovers), Peter Ryan (Westport United B) and Isaac Greally (Ballyhaunis Town) received honours.

At U18 level, Sean Casey (Westport United) and Shay Gavin (Castlebar Celtic) were recognised in the Premier Division.

In Division One, Odhran Donnelly and Tom Murray (Snugboro United) received awards, while Muris Vahey (Ballyglass) and Gavin Walsh (Killala) were honoured in Division Two.

Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Killala's Gavin Walsh with the U18 Division Two Player of the Month award for August.
Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Killala's Gavin Walsh with the U18 Division Two Player of the Month award for August.

Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Castlebar Celtic's Shay Gavin with the U18 Premier Division Player of the Month for August award.
Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Castlebar Celtic's Shay Gavin with the U18 Premier Division Player of the Month for August award.

Teams of the Year 

Teams of the Year were selected across all divisions at U17 and U18 level, recognising the standout performers throughout the season.

U17:

Division Three: Finn O’Malley (Westport United ‘B’), Huge Marques, Nikoden Zborowski, Isaac Greally, Finn Morton, Joshua Maughan (Ballyhaunis Town), Jai Wilson, Brodie Donnelly (Ballina Town ‘B’), Noah Heraty (Westport United ‘B’), Aiden Dempsey (Snugboro United), Harry Callaghan (Achill Rovers).

Division Two: Murisi Vahey, Colm Tuohy (Ballyglass), Cillian McGee, Noah Lynn, Patrick O’Connor (Killala), Ben Killeen, Eyan Duggan, Ryan Judge (Ballyglass), Nathan Coldrick, Matthew Neary (Conn Rangers), Brady Guilfoyle (Straide & Foxford United).

Division One: Cormac Reilly, Cathal O’Malley, Ryan Shevlin (Iorras Aontaithe), Conall Clarke (Manulla), Jow Howley, Dylan Keane (Kilmurry), Finnian Brady (Ballyheane), Sam Place (Ballinrobe Town), Patrick Coyle, Keelan Barrett (Iorras Aontaithe), Keaton Walsh (Kilmurry).

Premier Division: Jack Hose, Adam Jennings, Ryan Maher (Castlebar Town), Jack McNicholas, Sean Kilcawley (Castlebar Celtic), Niall Tracey, Aaron Coogan (Castlebar Town), Eoghan Kenny (Ballyvary Blue Bombers), James Dever (Castlebar Celtic), Sean McGreal (Westport United).

Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Iorras Aontaithe's Gabriel Hugget with the U17 Division One Player of the Month award for May.
Aidan Dunleavy, Mayo Football League, presents Iorras Aontaithe's Gabriel Hugget with the U17 Division One Player of the Month award for May.

U18:

Division Two: Zack Lally, Eamon Kelly (Killala), Jack Collins (Westport United ‘B’), Keelan O’Neill (Ballyvary Blue Bombers), Eamonn Kelly, Gavin Walsh (Killala), James Duffy (Straide & Foxford United), Oisin Cunnane (Ballyglass), Callum McDonnell, Joe Cooney (Achill Rovers), Finn Roche (Killala).

Division One: Aaron McHale, Finn Morton (Ballyhuanis Town), Conor Brett (Manulla), Andrew Gallagher, Ben Joyce, Tom Murray (Snugboro United), Evan Gannon (Claremorris), Aaron Coogan, (Castlebar Town, Odhran Donnelly (Snugboro United), Marcos Luis De Moraes, Adam Kelly (Ballyhaunis Town).

Premier Division: Daithi Nevin, Sean Casey, Dara Dawson (Westport United), Luke Duddy (Ballinrobe Town), Shay Golden, Shay Gavin, Oran Murphy (Castlebar Celtic), Josh Moran, Fionn McLoughlin (Westport United), Tom Ruane (Conn Rangers), Paddy Hope (Castlebar Celtic).

Marian Robinson, Mayo Football League, presents the U17 Division One Golden Boot award to Iorras Aontaithe's Keelan Barrett.
Marian Robinson, Mayo Football League, presents the U17 Division One Golden Boot award to Iorras Aontaithe's Keelan Barrett.

Top Scorers 

U17:

Premier Division: Aaron Coogan (Castlebar Town)

Division One: Keelan Barrett (Iorras Aontaithe) 

Division Two: Dean Collins (Conn Rangers) 

Division Three: Harry Callaghan (Achill Rovers) 

U18:

Premier Division: Tom Ruane (Conn Rangers) 

Division One: Marcos Luis De Moraes (Ballyhaunis Town) 

Division Two: Joe Cooney (Achill Rovers) 

Kieran Gallagher, Mayo Football League, presents the U17 Division Three Player of the Year Award to Ballyhaunis Town's Finn Morton.
Kieran Gallagher, Mayo Football League, presents the U17 Division Three Player of the Year Award to Ballyhaunis Town's Finn Morton.

League Winners 

U17:

Division Three: Ballyhaunis Town 

Division Two: Ballyglass 

Division One: Iorras Aontaithe

Premier Division: Castlebar Town 

U18:

Division Two: Killala 

Division One: Snugboro United 

Premier Division: Westport United 

Kieran Gallagher, Mayo League, presents the U17 Premier Division Player of the Year Award to Aaron Coogan of Castlebar Town at the Youth Awards night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar. Aaron also picked up the Golden Boot award for finishing as top scorer in the division. Picture: Michael Donnelly
Kieran Gallagher, Mayo League, presents the U17 Premier Division Player of the Year Award to Aaron Coogan of Castlebar Town at the Youth Awards night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar. Aaron also picked up the Golden Boot award for finishing as top scorer in the division. Picture: Michael Donnelly

Player of the Year Awards 

U17:

Division Three: Finn Morton (Ballyhaunis Town) 

Division Two: Ryan Judge (Ballyglass) 

Division One: Keelan Barrett (Iorras Aontaithe) 

Footballer of the Year: Aaron Coogan (Castlebar Town) 

Gerry Sweeney, Mayo Football League chairman, presents Sean Casey of Westport United with the U18 Footballer of the year award at the Youth Awards night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar. Picture: Michael Donnelly
Gerry Sweeney, Mayo Football League chairman, presents Sean Casey of Westport United with the U18 Footballer of the year award at the Youth Awards night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar. Picture: Michael Donnelly

U18:

Division Two: Gavin Walsh (Killala) 

Division One: Tom Murray (Snugboro United) 

Footballer of the Year: Sean Casey (Westport United)

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