Moy Davitts in it for the long Hall

In a GAA season known for its shocks and drama, the ladies club championship in Mayo has been no different.

After defeating MacHale Rovers in the semi-final, Moy Davitts find themselves back in the final of the intermediate championship for the first time since 2023.

Luck hadn’t been on their side in the years that followed, finishing on the wrong side of semi-finals and tight group stage results. However, in a year when it seems anything can happen, Moy Davitts captain Sandra Hall believes luck could be on their side.

“We are just delighted to be in the final. We have been there or thereabouts in the last few years.

“We were extremely unlucky last year because we were in the unusual position of winning two out of our three group games, and we still didn’t make the semi-final due to scoring difference. There was three teams in our group that won two games, and we were in third on scoring difference.

“Normally, if you win two out of three, it will get you to a semi-final. But we have a great mix of youth and experience, I suppose, so we just wanted to go one better this year.” 

If 2025 was all about the harsh reality of small margins in the championship, by getting over the line in a tight semi-final this season, Moy Davitts now have the chance to win their first county title since 2013, having lost finals in 2019 and 2013.

With a young squad full of belief and who only know being in contention, Sandra is not concerned about previous lost finals for the club.

“Some of the girls are so young, it is their first, second, or third year in the grade in the first place.

“Ladies football is different when you have such an age group. You have 15 and 16 year olds; that doesn’t really happen in men’s football.

“These girls just want to play, they are delighted to be playing. It is for the likes of me that have been there for a long time, some of them wouldn’t even be aware of how long it is really.

“I was there when we lost a few finals a few years. We have had a big turnover since.” 

For players like Sandra Hall who have seen it all, from losing finals and seeing players come and go, a county final win would mean a lot.

“It would mean a lot. The management we are with now, we are in our fourth year. We lost the final in the first year to MacHale Rovers.

“We would just love to do it, we felt so close. It would be great for the club, hopefully we could get over the line and do it.” 

But nothing’s going to come easy. Moy Davitts’ only defeat in their four games to date was at the hands of Aghamore who are unbeaten, having drawn the third of their group games in what was a nine goal thriller against neighbouring Ballyhaunis, while they have also beaten Louisburgh and Carnacon.

But after what was a summer to remember for Mayo football, the ladies club championship has seen added excitement and interest, something Sandra Hall welcomes in the lead-up to this final.

“With Mayo winning the All-Ireland, there seems to be great interest. There just seems to be more focus put on club games, which is great. People are loving going to football matches with the summer that we had.

“It is great the crowds are coming out. We had great support in Ardagh (against MacHale Rovers), and we hope we can get even more in MacHale Park.”