Mayo end league campaign with win over Waterford
Mayo’s Hannah Reape in action against Waterford’s Molly Comerford during the Lidl Ladies NFL Division 1 tie at James Stephens Park, Ballina, this afternoon. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Mayo secured their place in Division 1 for 2025 after seeing off Waterford 2-9 to 2-6 on a dreary day in Ballina.
It was not plain sailing by any means as the Green and Red struggled to kill off their opponents but Maria Cannon’s free from distance late on ensured Mayo of the win.
There were two goals inside the opening 90 seconds, as Lauren McGregor’s major for Waterford was cancelled out almost immediately by Fionnuala McLaughlin.
Only three points followed over the following 24 minutes, all coming from Mayo, before a frantic final period to the half. McGregor struck a free and a sumptuous second goal, while Laura Brennan was at full stretch to deny Mairead O’Brien a third first half goal for the Déise shortly after.
Mayo responded with two points and another goal by McLaughlin to put them 2-5 to 2-2 up at the break.
The sides exchanged points early in the half before Kathryn Sullivan ended a 19-minute drought with a well-taken effort followed by a point from Aoife Staunton to put Mayo five up with nine minutes to go.
Waterford made it a two-point game late on with three points on the spin before Cannon’s howitzer made sure for Mayo, who have finished fifth in Division 1.
Full match report and reaction in Tuesday’s Western People.
