Extra Cunning goal seals final spot for Mitchels
Castlebar Mitchels’ Calum Filan shoots for goal as Sean Niland of Claremorris attempts to block his effort. Pictures: David Farrell Photography
On a crisp December morning just ten days before Christmas, Castlebar Mitchels and Claremorris delivered a pulsating U21 semi-final that will be remembered as one of the games of the year.
After a rollercoaster battle that included injury-time drama and extra time, it was Castlebar Mitchels who edged out their gallant opponents, securing a hard-fought victory by the slimmest of margins.
The match was a repeat of last year’s final and both sides came stacked with quality players, including numerous Mayo U20s and minors from recent years. Despite being without their Mayo senior stars Bob Tuohy and Sean Morahan, who were ruled out due to injuries sustained in training, Castlebar Mitchels rose to the occasion. Players like goalkeeper Peter Basquille, defender John McMonagle, midfielder Shane Cunningham, and forwards Mark Cunningham, Gavin Forry and Eoghan Hughes, arguably their most consistent performer on the day, stood out in an impressive team performance.
The first half saw Mitchels dominate proceedings. Goals from John Kennedy and Calum Filan gave them a commanding 11-point lead at the break as they headed to the dressing room ahead 2-10 to 0-5. Their aggressive press on the Claremorris kickouts and clinical finishing suggested the game might turn into a one-sided affair.
However, Claremorris emerged for the second half with renewed belief and delivered an astonishing turnaround. Their fightback was ignited by a stunning solo goal from Darragh Beirne, whose thunderous shot ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net. With the Hurley twins, Niall and Dara, leading the charge, and their defence tightening up, Claremorris clawed their way back into the contest.
As the clock ticked into injury time, Castlebar Mitchels clung to a two-point lead. A free from Gavin Forry extended the margin to three, but Claremorris weren’t done. Craig Cassidy soared to claim a vital kickout, drove upfield, and found Conor Óg Dennedy, who unleashed a sublime outside-of-the-boot finish to the net in the fourth minute of injury time, sending the game into extra time.
Extra time was equally dramatic. Claremorris surged ahead with early points from Beirne and Paul Gilmore, but Mitchels struck back with a brilliant goal from Mark Cunningham after a quick free by Forry. That goal proved decisive, as Castlebar gained control in the second half of extra time. Points from Connall Durcan, Eoghan Hughes, and Jack O’Reilly ensured they stayed ahead, despite a late Claremorris effort that hit the crossbar.
It was a heartbreaking end for Claremorris, whose spirited comeback and incredible determination pushed Mitchels to the limit. But it is Castlebar who now march on to the final, where they will face Westport this Friday night at 7pm in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in what promises to be another thrilling contest.
