Castlebar Mitchels U-21s beat Claremorris after extra-time in game for the ages

Mayo U-21 A Championship Semi-Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 3-20 Claremorris 2-22 (after extra-time) 

In Claremorris 

THIS was a game for the ages and an advertisement for U-21 club football in Mayo. 

But that will be no consolation to a gallant Claremorris team who, despite being eleven points down at half-time, almost conjured a remarkable victory on home soil. 

Overall, Castlebar Mitchels were the better team and played a superb brand of attacking football that was mirrored by a swashbuckling, free-spirited Claremorris side. 

Trailing 2-10 0-5 at half-time thanks goals from Eoghan Hughes and John Kennedy, the Hurley twins and goalscorer Darragh Beirne inspired Claremorris to within touching distance before Conor Óg Dennedy’s injury-time goal sent the game to extra-time. 

It was one of countless dramatic moments in a game that enthralled right through extra time. 

Claremorris got their noses in front in the first half before the brilliant Mark Cunningham shot a goal to put Mitchels back in the lead. 

The second half of extra-time saw the momentum swing towards Mitchels, who secured victory through points from Connall Durcan, Eoghan Hughes and Gavin Forry. 

A last-gasp dropping free from Darragh Joyce crept between the posts, but proved to be the last sting of a dying wasp as Mitchels finally emerged with the win.

A full report plus reaction from Castlebar Mitchels’ John MacMonagle will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.