Tooreen see off defiant Ballina Stephenites to win Junior A title

Mayo Junior A Hurling Championship Final

Tooreen 1-17

Ballina Stephenites 1-10 

In Ballina

MAYO’S hurling aristocrats had too much quality for a Ballina Stephenites that ran them quite close at times in this Junior A decider. 

Just two points separated these teams with five minutes remaining as a Luke Hurley-inspired Ballina looked to cause an upset against the favourites. 

However, it was the men in blue who prevailed in the last few minutes by shooting five unanswered points to land the Ciaran Byrne Memorial Cup. 

It wasn’t the fastest or the most intense game of hurling and both teams hit several wides, particularly in the first half. 

The battle began in earnest when Mattie Keane levelled for Ballina with a goal in the 15th minute that energised the home side. 

However, a lack of accuracy meant they trailed the East Mayo men 0-7 1-3 at half-time. 

Tooreen landed a vital score when Man of the Match Seán Lynskey put the ball in the net in the 34th minute, but there was loads of fight left in Ballina Stephenites. 

Luke Hurley hit some stunning scores as the Moysiders ground the deficit down to two points, but quality and experience won it out for Tooreen. 

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