Balla exact revenge on local rivals Mayo Gaels to retain senior status

Mayo Senior Football Championship Round 3

Balla 3-12

Mayo Gaels 0-11

Three goals from Gary McHale (2) and Conor Walsh helped Balla exact revenge on their neighbours and retain their senior status in one fell swoop. 

With their first senior championship win since winning promotion in 2020, Balla secured third place in the group while winless Mayo Gaels will now face a relegation play-off. 

The aforementioned McHale and Walsh were instrumental in the victory, while Oisín Cronin, Ger Flanagan, Brian O’Donovan, and Jude Clarke also delivered notable displays in what was truly a team effort. 

The game’s first pivotal moment came when a goal attempt by Cillian Golding fell short, allowing McHale to capitalise with a clinical finish, giving Balla the lead.

At halftime, Balla held a commanding 1-7 to 0-5 lead.

The turning point of the second half came 15 minutes in when Conor Walsh followed up a free from Colm Murphy with a superb goal past Mayo Gaels’ goalkeeper, Paul Mannion. This goal extended Balla's lead to eight points.

Mayo Gaels' hopes of a comeback took a major hit when Kevin Lynch, their corner-back, was shown a straight red card.

Balla poured further salt into their neighbours’ wounds when Jude Clarke orchestrated a clever move, setting up Oisín Cronin who unselfishly passed the ball to Gary McHale, who slotted it home for his second goal.

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