Garrymore spread scoring load to lift O’Mara Cup
South Board chairman Donal Walsh presenting the O'Mara Cup to Garrymore captain Liam Horkan.
The yearning for back-to-back South Mayo O’Mara Cup titles came up short for Hollymount-Carramore on Friday evening when they lost out to their neighbours Garrymore who came good in the second-half. While the opening half was a keenly contested affair, the home side can have no excuses as they were outplayed by a Garrymore side who, with nine different scorers, kicked for home in the third quarter, during which time they outscored their opponents by 1-5 to 1-0 and never looked back. Indeed, had Martin Moloney’s side put away even half of the many scoring opportunities they squandered in this period, the winning margin might have been a lot larger.
It's the club’s first O’Mara Cup win since 2021.
Conditions were ideal and given the history and geography of these two clubs, this was always going to be a battle. Garrymore led 0-9 to 0-7 at the interval, on an evening where the home side lined out without either of the Feericks but did welcome Nathan Moran back from injury.
It was no surprise that Darren Quinn was Garrymore’s chief score-getter, with four in the first-half alone, including three frees and one from play. Liam Horkan, Brendan Walsh, Shane and Trevor Nally, and Justin Commins all raised the white flag as well during what was a stirring first-half performance by the Reds.
Surprisingly, Hollymount-Carramore’s first point came from the penalty spot in the fifth minute when Darren Coen blasted his shot over the bar. Dylan Morris, wearing the number 26, was the home side's most dangerous forward on show, hitting two points from play, with the impressive Enda Maloney and Matthew Morris also hitting the target to set up an intriguing second-half.
The fine crowd was entertained during the interval period as the host club had organised a reunion of the victorious 1964 St Coman’s, Hollymount O’Mara Cup winning team and each were presented to the crowd. Ironically, it was the then hot favourites Garrymore who they defeated in the final at the very same venue. That win 60 years ago was the springboard for the club to go forward and win the Mayo junior title later that year.
Once football matters recommenced after the presentation was complete, it became one-way traffic and within two minutes of the restart, Garrymore had goaled and added a further point to go 1-10 to 0-7 clear. The goal came from Shane Nally from close range after an excellent move upfield which was all begun by Jamie Oates in defense, while the potent Brendan Walsh was having a fine game and added his second of three points from play on the evening. Midway through the half, this game was over as a contest as Garrymore added four further points – all from play – with Walsh again, Ciaran McGrath with two and corner-back Conor Lydon surging forward to raise the white flag. A brief glimmer of hope came the home side's way when Tiernan Egan goaled, and they did introduce Conor Heneghan, Ben Sheridan and JJ Connelly from the bench to try and revitalise their attack, but it was not to be.
Darren Quinn added his fifth point of the evening and their evening’s work was complete when Patrick Hession raised the second green flag of the evening for his side with a close-in finish four minutes from time.
Finals are there to be won and this result gave Martin Maloney his first piece of significant silverware as he embarks on his second year in the managerial chair of his beloved Garrymore. Afterwards, chairman of the south board Donal Walsh presented the trophy to Garrymore captain Liam Horkan.
Scorers – Garrymore: Darren Quinn 0-5 (3f), Shane Nally 1-1, Patrick Hession 1-0, Brendan Walsh 0-3, Ciaran McGrath 0-2, Liam Horkan, Trevor Nally, Justin Commins and Conor Lydon 0-1 each.
Hollymount-Carramore: Darren Coen 0-5, (3f, 0-1pen), Tiernan Egan 1-0, Dylan Morris 0-3, Enda Maloney and Matthew Morris 0-1 each.
Hollymount-Carramore: Nathan Moran; Stephen Conroy, John Walsh, Joe Lydon; Enda Maloney, Dylan Jennings, Barry Sheridan; Nathan Moran, Jack Keane; Oisin Duffy, Tom Morris, Tiernan Egan; Matthew Morris, Darren Coen, Dylan Morris. Subs: Conor Heneghan (for Walsh ht), Ben Sheridan (for Egan 40, blood), JJ Connelly (for Duffy 45), Tiernan Egan (for T Morris 45), Conor Geraghty (for Lydon 50).
Garrymore: Brian Lynskey; Patrick Hession, Kenneth Lydon, Conor Lydon; Jamie Oates, Liam Horkan, Colin Commins; Aaron Hughes, Cathal Slattery; Ciaran McGrath, Brendan Walsh, Justin Commins; Darren Quinn, Shane Nally, Trevor Nally. Subs: Mark Gibbons (for J Commins 45), Jamie Hession (for S Nally 54), Seán Gildea (for Walsh 59), Joseph Ferriter (for T Nally 59), Adam O’Boyle (for Oates 60+1).
REF: Garryowen McMahon (Davitts).
