Mayo Club Championship roundup: Mitchels win in vain, Ballaghaderreen and Shrule/Glencorrib strike late
Tony Alyward of Eastern Gaels holds off Stephen Heneghan of Shrule Glencorrib with Evan Cawley and Michael Garvey in close attendance. Picture: John Corless
There was plenty of late drama across the grounds in a Super Saturday of Round 3 action in the Mayo GAA Club Championship.
In Senior, Robbie Fadden’s late point in Ballina meant Breaffy not only pipped Belmullet for victory on a 0-13 to 0-12 scoreline but claimed top spot in Group 2 and a home quarter-final.
Breaffy’s victory meant Castlebar Mitchels exited the championship despite an impressive performance against Aghamore, with goals from Neil Douglas and Bob Tuohy propelling them to a 2-14 to 0-12 victory and send Aghamore into the relegation playoffs.
Joining Aghamore in the relegation playoffs is Charlestown, as they were defeated by Claremorris 2-13 to 0-16 thanks to first half majors from Darragh Beirne and Cathal Joyce, with the South Mayo side ending their championship with a win.
The battle for top spot in Group 3 was between Ballintubber and Ballaghaderreen, who played out a classic under the lights in Garrymore. It appeared the game was heading for a draw, but Cian Hanley’s late goal helped Ballagh’ to top spot on a 3-14 to 2-13 scoreline, with Kuba Callaghan scoring 2-8 for the victors.
There was one game in Intermediate. The meeting of Louisburgh and Moy Davitts had little riding on it, with Moy Davitts already guaranteed to finish top of Group 4 and Louisburgh destined for a relegation scrap, but the Moysiders won an entertaining bout 5-13 to 2-16.
In Junior, there were some surprises as Northern Gaels picked up their first win of the championships after defeating Kiltimagh 0-16 to 2-8, although the east Mayo side still finished second on points difference.
That defeat for Kiltimagh opened the door for Tourmakeady to finish top of Group 2 and they did not need a second invitation as they beat Kilmovee Shamrocks 4-9 to 2-6.
Group 3 saw a nailbiting finish in Hollymount as a late point by Stephen Heneghan was the insurance score in Shrule/Glencorrib’s 1-10 to 0-11 win over Eastern Gaels, finishing top of the group after three wins from three.
The other game saw Swinford also pick up their first win, defeating Achill 1-14 to 1-10.
