Mahon the hat-trick hero as KK win thrilling final
Kiltimagh Knock United, Mary Walsh Cup winners 2025. Pictures: Cillian Staunton.
Kiltimagh Knock United were crowned Mary Walsh Cup champions after a pulsating encounter against Killala that saw six first-half goals and a dramatic finish, with hat-trick hero Shona Mahon, sealing victory late on.
The North Mayo side were aiming to retain their title for a second year running, but Kiltimagh Knock, who found form in the latter half of the season after a challenging start, proved too strong on the day.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Kiltimagh Knock taking the lead in the third minute. A defensive lapse from Killala allowed Kayla Doherty to find space in the box, and she made no mistake drilling the ball into the back of the net.
However, Killala responded swiftly. Just three minutes later, Alva Munnelly latched onto a perfectly weighted long ball, broke through the defence, and calmly slotted home to bring the sides level.
The match continued at a high tempo, with both teams favouring long-ball strategies. Defenders on both sides were kept busy, cutting out loose passes and intercepting through balls. Alison Long was a constant threat for Killala, while Kayla Doherty and Shona Mahon impressed up front for Kiltimagh Knock.
It was that attacking duo that restored the lead for Kiltimagh Knock in the 21st minute. After a slick exchange, Mahon found the net to make it 2–1.
The momentum stayed with the east Mayo ladies, and they extended their lead on the half-hour mark. Anna McDonnell’s corner evaded everyone in the box before nestling into the net for their third of the day. McDonnell put in an excellent shift at centre-back, cutting out any loose passes that came in her direction.
To their credit, Killala hit back almost immediately. Laura Bilbow fired an effort from outside the box, which slipped under the goalkeeper and rolled into the net, cutting the deficit. Player of the match, Hana Ueno, came to the fore for Michael Collins’ side, controlling the midfield and contributing to all the good football her side played.
Just before the interval, Shona Mahon struck again, bringing down a high ball with composure and slotting home to restore her side’s two-goal cushion and give them a 4–2 lead at the break.
Killala came out fighting in the second half and pulled one back within the first minute. A perfectly delivered corner from Munnelly was met by Ciara Murphy, who rose highest to head the ball past the goalkeeper.
Buoyed by the early goal, Killala continued to press. Munnelly and Shauna Donnelly were at the heart of their attacking moves, asking questions of the Kiltimagh/Knock backline. Alva Munnelly pressed high, while Ciara Murphy carved out several chances as Killala pushed for an equaliser.
Kiltimagh Knock, however, stood firm and nearly extended their lead in the 59th minute when Doherty’s free-kick struck the woodwork.
The decisive moment came late in the 89th minute when Shona Mahon latched onto a long ball. She kept her cool, chipped the onrushing keeper, and though the ball struck the bar, it bounced over the line to seal the win and the silverware to go with it.
