Sarsfields succumb to second-half storm from Castlebar

Mayo SFL Division 1A – Round 4 

Castlebar Mitchels 2-15 

Ardnaree Sarsfields 0-09

Maggie Chambers in Sean Duffy Park, Ardnaree 

Castlebar Mitchels maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025 Mayo SFL with a hard-fought victory over Ardnaree Sarsfields on Friday evening. After a closely contested first-half, a strong second-half showing, led by standout performances from Gavin Forry and Ethan Gibbons, secured both points on offer for the visitors.

It was Mitchels who got off to the better start. Ardnaree struggled to move the ball out of their half in the opening stages and Kevin Filan’s side took full advantage, scoring three consecutive points through Gavin Durcan, Brendan Gaughan and James Durcan. The hosts, however, were quick to respond as Seaghan Duffy levelled the game with a well-taken point from play and a two-pointer from a free.

Once settled, Ardnaree began to make their presence felt, utilising an excellently set-up defensive structure. Dylan Sweeney edged them ahead with a brilliant two-pointer just before the 10-minute mark and Rory Clarke’s team was dismantling the Castlebar Mitchels attacks and defending in high numbers, with Duffy and Jason Crean controlling the middle of the pitch. Duffy kicked his third score of the evening from a free in the 17th minute, pushing Ardnaree further ahead.

The momentum, however, soon shifted again. Ethan Gibbons opened his account with a two-pointer from a free. Gibbons was excellent from placed balls throughout the evening, providing a reliable scoring outlet whenever Mitchels drew fouls in the opposition's half. The visitors had to remain patient in attack to break down Ardnaree’s structured defence. They did just that, closing out the first-half with a point each from Brendan Gaughan and Conor Mulroy to lead narrowly at the interval, 0-7 to 0-6.

The second-half was played on Castlebar’s terms. Five minutes after the restart, Gavin Durcan added his second point before the game’s opening goal arrived. Cian Walsh burst through the Ardnaree defence and laid the ball off to Ethan Gibbons, who calmly palmed it into the back of the net.

Ardnaree replied with a point from Seaghan Duffy but they struggled to match Castlebar’s tempo. Matters worsened for the hosts when John Timlin was forced off with an injury. Ethan Gibbons, reliable as ever from frees, added two more points to stretch the lead, while Cian Walsh added another from play. Though Seaghan Duffy kept Ardnaree in touch with a free of his own, the tide had turned.

The depth of Castlebar’s bench played a crucial role in their second-half dominance. Substitute Ultan O’Reilly made a strong impact, as he got on plenty of ball and helped to gain control in the middle of the pitch. Ethan Gibbons continued his excellent evening with a point from play, pushing the lead out to eight points. Minutes later, John Kennedy capped a flowing team move by raising the green flag, sealing the result with Castlebar’s second goal. This also meant that all six players in the Castlebar forward line were on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, in the backs, Gavin Forry delivered a tireless performance for the visitors, while also frequently joining attacks. As the final whistle loomed, Ethan Gibbons and Dylan Sweeney traded late points before Cian Walsh rounded off the scoring to secure an emphatic victory for Castlebar.

This result sends Castlebar Mitchels to the top of the Division 1A table, while Ardnaree are still searching for their first win of the campaign.

Scorers – Castlebar Mitchels; Ethan Gibbons 1-1-5 (1tpf, 3f), John Kennedy 1-0-0, Gavin Durcan, Brendan Gaughan, and Cian Walsh 0-0-2 each, James Durcan and Conor Mulroy 0-0-1 each.

Ardnaree; Seaghan Duffy 0-1-4 (1tpf, 3f), Dylan Sweeney 0-1-1.

Ardnaree; Ronan Connolly; Kevin Gillespie, Charlie Beale, Kenzie McKee; Niall Murphy, Martin Rafter, Jack Regan; Seaghan Duffy, Jason Crean; Jonathan Doherty, Ethan Convey, Dylan Sweeney; Tiernan Tighe, Nathan Roddy, John Timlin. Subs; Conor Connolly (for Rafter 10), Noel Beattie (for Timlin 40), Mark Forbes (for McKee 47).

Castlebar Mitchels; Rory Byrne; Brian McDonnell, Joe Tuohy, Johnny Maughan; Shane Cunningham, Tomas Waldon, Gavin Forry; Eoghan O’Reilly, Gavin Durcan; Brendan Gaughan, Conor Mulroy, John Kennedy; James Durcan, Ethan Gibbons, Cian Walsh. Subs: Ultan O’Reilly (for E O’Reilly ht), Mark Dolan (for Cunningham 42), Raymond O’Malley (for Gaughan 47), Anthony O’Boyle (for Mulroy 47), Callum Filan (for Durcan 53).

REF: Cormac Reape (Knockmore)