Heartbreak and triumph for Mayo clubs in FAI Junior Cup
Westport United are the only Mayo club left standing after a comfortable in over Galty Celtic.
Only one Mayo club will be in the hat for the fifth round draw of the FAI Junior Cup as Westport United made light work of Galty Celtic in United Park this afternoon.
A second half hat trick from Adam Nugent set them on their way after Kevin Kitterick's opener on 11 minutes. Dylan O'Malley added a fifth late on as United produced one of their best performances of the season to round off 2023 in style.
The other two Mayo clubs in action, Manulla and Castlebar Celtic, both exited the competition. A goal in either half by Ciaran Cross sent Manulla packing in Carramore while Super League champions Castlebar Celtic suffered a heartbreaking exit on penalties against Pike Rovers in Limerick.
The Hoops were 2-0 down at half-time through goals by Adam Lipper and Conor Coughlan but Rovers went down to ten men on 26 minutes after Lipper was shown a straight red card.
Rovers goalkeeper Gary Neville diverted into his own net late on before Jason Hunt fired in a brilliant strike in injury time to send it to extra-time. Neither side made the breakthrough in extra-time and Celtic missed chances to win the shootout. Neville went from villain to hero as he scored a penalty in sudden death to send the 2011 winners through.
