Gaeltacht boys Reape what they sow

If Kevin McStay is looking for another forward ahead of the 2025 inter-county season, look no further than Justin Healy.

That’s the view of Cill Chomáin joint-manager Nigel Reape whose captain, as he has been on so many occasions, was the difference-maker for his side on Saturday, scoring two goals in extra-time to help win the Mayo junior football title.

“I think it’s definitely the best game of football I've ever been involved in,” said Nigel Reape afterwards. “Huge credit to Bonniconlon, 10 minutes from the end I thought we were hanging in there. Again, I think their substitutions did well.

“But I tell you, we spoke about it all week that we had to put everything in the back of our mind. We had a couple of injuries, Joe Mason, Derek (Moran) played with painkillers today. Look it, you'll hear me talking about the Cill Chomáin lads for the rest of your life, but I have to give huge credit to Bonniconlon. They made a huge part out of that game.

“It's been said to me after that goals win games and I'll tell you lads, we have Justin Healy. And how Justin Healy – I don't care if it's junior or not junior – hasn’t been involved with a county panel before he did his cruciate is beyond me.” 

There will be some sore bodies as well as heads after the celebrations and Reape admits several players who played through the pain barrier are a serious doubt for their Connacht semi-final against Galway champions An Ceathrú Rua on the weekend on November 16/17.

“So many heroes out there, so many walking wounded. The boys that stayed at it, lot of lads played today, came back from injury to give us a dig out. A lot of lads were on lag, especially in extra-time but you know, it’s a great way to win a game. We’re delighted to have won it.

“I thought Bonniconlon were magnificent. I thought during the week when I’d seen it, I was fairly confident we’d win it. We had a terrible first-half but even with 10 minutes to go, I thought we might be in a bit of bother but the boys dug seriously deep. Absolutely thrilled.

“We’ve a lot of injuries. Our panel is small. We were struggling to get to 24 today, we had three or four lads that definitely came back out for today that’ll struggle to be ready in two weeks’ time. But, look, it’s a free shot for Cill Chomáin.” 

Reape also paid tribute to the club, region and people who keep the show on the road. Whatever he has asked for, the club have been more than happy to deliver.

“I cannot put into words what it means for the club, for Cill Chomáin, and the people. For a small club, they’re absolutely fantastic people. The way they’ve treated myself and Sean (McLoughlin) since we went out there, any bit of help we get, we’re delighted.”