Castlebar Mitchels finish strong to clinch Mayo Minor A title 

Mayo Minor A Championship Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 3-11

Westport 2-9

In MacHale Park

Castlebar Mitchels have won back the Mayo Minor A title after a strong second half showing saw them through over a battling Westport team. 

Two rapid-fire goals from Ryan Gibbons and Fionán O’Reilly quenched the embers of a daring early second half Westport rebellion 

But in the end - even despite a stunning Michael Meehan-style goal from Rian Durkan - Castlebar got through without too much hassle. 

Aided by a strong breeze, Mitchels had the upper hand in the first half. 

Wing-forward Cian Walsh got three well-taken points while Gavin Forry (2 frees) and Ryan Gibbons (2) also worked the scoreboard. 

Westport saw their only goal chance snuffed out when Darragh Corrigan drew a good save from Oranne Burke. 

Castlebar Mitchels made no such mistake in the 21st minute when Shane Cunningham set up Gary Filan to bury a goal after a wicked move. 

Westport lacked the possession they needed to inflict serious damage but got three points off the lively Rian Durkan to trail 0-5 1-7 at half-time. 

Things got a lot more interesting when John Glavey awarded Castlebar Mitchels a penalty which was dispatched by Rian Durkan in the 31st minute. 

Westport grew more dominant around the middle and equalised four minutes later, but the tide swung back in the winners’ direction from the moment Joe Forry stuck the ball in the net to put them five in front. 

A follow-up tap-in goal from Fionán O’Reilly in the dying minutes was all the assurance Mitchels needed to add yet another ‘A’ title to their trophy cabinet. 

A full report, plus reaction will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News Sport.