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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Matthew Ruane in action against Luke McGlynn during the match between Mayo and Donegal in Castlebar. Pic: Sportsfile
ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Mayo 1-18
Donegal 1-16
CASTLEBAR
Mayo may have run it close in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park this afternoon, and at times it looked like relegation was on the cards. However, they withstood a second-half Donegal purple patch to book their place in the League Final against Kerry next weekend.
Kevin McStay’s men were slow to get going in the first half and had Daire Ó’Baoill nailed a second two-pointer in the 19th minute to put Donegal five ahead, a loss would’ve been all the more likely.
READ MORE: Mayo defeated in Oscar Traynor Cup semi-final in Castlebar
Instead, his effort rattled off the right post.
Such a defeat would’ve seen Mayo relegated based on results elsewhere.
However, when man-of-the-match Jack Carney rattled the net two minutes later, he gave Mayo much-needed momentum which they carried through to half-time.
The visitors from the hills rallied to make Mayo sweat, and the cavalry from Jim McGuiness’ bench made a huge impact, as evidenced by Eoin McHugh’s 34th-minute goal.
Had Colm Reape not got down to save O’Baoill’s penalty with four to go, Kevin McStay’s side may have been playing Division Two football next season.
READ MORE: Extra-time goals see Mayo side into national soccer final
Instead, Mayo came good, and a vital late two-pointer from Matthew Ruane was pivotal to securing the points on the table, and a shot at early silverware in 2025.
The win saw Mayo top the group, and the Kingdom will be waiting in the wings following their eight-point win over Galway in Salthill.
A full report, plus post-match reaction, will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.
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