McHugh major hits Hollymount where it hurts

Mayo LGFA Senior Championship Group A – Round 1 

Kilmovee Shamrocks 1-12 

Hollymount 0-12 

Stuart Tynan at Canon Henry Park 

On a dismal Sunday morning out in East Mayo, Kilmovee Shamrocks won their opening game of the Mayo senior championship after holding off a gallant effort from Hollymount.

With two recent senior champions in Knockmore and Burrishoole still to come for both, this was a big chance for both teams to put themselves within a great shout of reaching a semi-final. Ultimately, it came down to who could handle the inclement conditions better and it was Kilmovee who got the crucial score against the wind in the second-half, as Leah McHugh’s net-buster on 41 minutes proved the difference.

Hollymount, who had former Mayo goalkeeper Laura Brennan playing outfield through the pain barrier with a hand injury, will feel they should have at least earned a share of the spoils. Katie Corcoran missed an open goal late on while Grace Campbell also fluffed her chances of a major in the second-half. Pat Doocey’s side will now need a result away in McGovern Park against Burrishoole to give themselves a chance of making the semi-finals while Kilmovee also face a tough trip to last year’s finalists Knockmore, with the winners set to go top of Group A.

The home side had the advantage of a strong wind in the first-half and Shauna Golden was their primary sharpshooter, scoring the opening four points for her side.

Mayo minor Anna Mai Regan and former Mayo senior panellists Sinead and Lisa Cafferky also tagged on scores in the first-half, but their lead was only four points at the break, as Hollymount goalkeeper Ciara Brennan kicked over four massive frees against the breeze to keep her side in it.

The introduction of another former Mayo senior player Ava Keane had an impact early in the second-half for Hollymount as she and Grace Campbell cut the deficit to two, but Kilmovee would hit 1-3 without reply in a devastating two-minute spell.

Two points from Shauna Golden, one from Sinead Cafferky and a thunderbolt into the roof of the net by Leah McHugh put the Shamrocks in control going into the final quarter.

Kilmovee would score only one more point in the game, coming from Sinead Cafferky, as Hollymount poured bodies forward. Ava Keane tagged on three more points, along with one each for Natasja Merry, Ciara Brennan and Jenna Mortimer to make it a one score game. Shortly after Keane’s second, Campbell got in through on goal but lost control of the ball at the crucial moment and the O’Neill’s went harmlessly wide.

Hollymount then missed an even better opportunity to level the game when Katie Corcoran struck wide with the goal at her mercy. Ava Keane played the ball across to Laura Brennan, who collided with the goalkeeper, and the ball fell to Corcoran on the edge of the square, but she was off balance as she struck the ball wide of the target, and with it Hollymount’s chances of getting a result.

Scorers – Kilmovee Shamrocks: Shauna Golden 0-6 (4f), Leah McHugh 1-0, Sinéad Cafferky 0-3, Losa Cafferky 0-2, Anna Mai Regan 0-1.

Hollymount: Ciara Brennan 0-5f, Ava Keane 0-4, Grace Campbell, Natasja Merry and Jenna Mortimer 0-1 each.

Kilmovee Shamrocks: Elaine Duffy; Clare Duffy, Mary Horan, Rebecca Towey; Serena Hanley, Lynda Hanley, Anna Mai Regan; Sinéad Cafferky, Leah McHugh; Katelyn Regan, Shauna Golden, Ilana Phillips; Hannah Moynihan, Lisa Cafferky, Saerlaith Dillon. Sub: Lucia McDonnell (for Phillips ht).

Hollymount: Ciara Brennan; Megan Commins, Aine Fahey, Sari Vahey; Caoilinn Walsh, Jessica Commins, Emer Finaly; Jenna Mortimer, Grace Campbell; Lily Hession, Louise Slattery, Katie Corcoran; Laura Brennan, Diane Tierney, Natasja Merry. Sub: Ava Keane (for Finaly 35).

REF: Shane Noonan (Éire Óg)