Ardagh defeat Tourmakeady in opening round of Mayo Junior Championship

COUNTY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2

Tourmakeady 1-7

Ardagh 2-11

TOURMAKEADY

ARDAGH made a serious championship statement in the Gaeltacht this afternoon when coming from three points down midway through the second half to defeat the home side.

The opening game of the championship was exciting, entertaining and enthralling. There was no quarter asked or given and the impressive venue looked stunning in the bright sunshine.

James Carr returned from a long-term injury for the guests and made an impression with two points and a number of assists.

The home side found scoring from play difficult and trailed by two at the break, 0-5 to 0-7, as Ardagh impressed.

Stephen Rochford, James Carr, Brendan Carr and Lee Traynor were catching the eye for the leaders, but Tourmak' hit the front seven minutes into the second half when Padraig Lydon cracked home a penalty.

Points followed from Darragh McConnell and Ronan Malee (who was making his champioship debut for the home side) and suddenly they were three up, 1-7 to 0-7, and Pairc Naomh Muire was rocking.

However, any thoughtsof a home win were soon banished when a flowing Ardagh move ended with a goal from Brendan Carr. That brought the northern men back into it and they pushed on.

They were two points clear going into the final minutes when a goal from Traynor pushed them out of reach and more late points ensured Paul Moran's Ardagh men began the season with a crucial and priceless victory on their travels.

A full match report and after-match reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.