Classy Crossmolina end 32-year wait for Minor A title

They were made to sweat late on but Crossmolina defeated Westport to win their fourth Mayo Minor A title on a scoreline of 2-17 to 2-14 on Saturday evening.

Although Westport played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, the Coveys could never pull away from Crossmolina. 

Kobe McDonald kicked the opening five points for Crossmolina, his fifth drawing them level after Westport found the net through Ben Holmes.

It remained that way at half-time as Westport quartet Elcmar O'Toole, Rian Durkan, Killian Conway and Darragh Reynolds matched efforts from Joseph Loftus, Ethan Reilly and Oisin Deane for the Deel.

The third quarter proved decisive as Crossmolina went ten points clear, 2-16 to 1-9. Westport set up a big finale thanks to Mayo minor duo Ben Holmes and Fionn O Cinnseala but Oisin Deane would get the insurance point for Crossmolina late on to secure a first Minor A success since their back-to-back wins in 1992 and 1993.

*See Tuesday's Western People for comprehensive coverage of the Minor and U16 Finals