Mayo U-20s begin Connacht campaign with win over Roscommon

Connacht U-20 Championship Round 1

Mayo 1-15 Roscommon 0-13

In MacHale Park

A first-half goal from Mayo captain John MacMonagle made a big difference as Peader Gardiner’s U-20s began their Connacht campaign with a win this evening. 

Kiltane’s Josh Carey had just struck the crossbar with a powerful shot before MacMonagle was on hand to palm it home past Patrick Gaynor, helping Mayo to a 1-8 0-9 half-time lead. 

While Mayo were slightly better around the midfield, Roscommon’s ability to kick two-pointers had them ahead for much of the first half. 

Three orange flags, two from Rory Carthy and one from Cathal McKeon, helped the Rossies outscore Mayo right until MacMonagle bundled the ball home in the 26th minute. 

It proved to be an absolutely crucial score, given how the second half played out. 

Mayo were the better team, but kicked a concerning number of wides. Roscommon failed to find an extra gear but still created some goal opportunities. 

An excellent Mayo half-back line stewarded by the impressive Hugh O’Loughlin, and a solid midfield showing, were crucial in preventing a Roscommon resurgence. 

Mayo added seven points in the second half through some good forward play from the likes of Tom Lydon, who finished with seven points (3 frees), and Niall Hurley, who kicked three. 

The wide count aside, this was a solid Round 1 showing by the Mayo U-20s. 

Mayo will meet Galway in Tuam Stadium in the second round of the competition next Wednesday. 

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