Mighty Mayo secure place in All-Ireland final after big win over Kildare

ALL-IRELAND U-16A SEMI-FINAL

Mayo 5-10

Kildare 0-14

In Longford

THE smiles on Mayo faces at the end of this well-contested semi-final said it all. The Green and Red had played fast, flowing, fabulous football and secured a place in the All-Ireland final for the second year running. The scoreline was a true reflection of the action. Kildare had fine players in many departments but Mayo had a fine team – from their excellent goalkeeper Meabh Lavin, all the way to corner-forward Mikayla McLoughlin and beyond, they were outstanding.

Francis Regan's girls led by five at the break, 2-6 to 0-7. Goals from McLoughlin and right-corner-forward Emily Duffy were the stand-out moments but full-forward Katie Hughes, centre-forward Saerlaith Dillon, brilliant wing-forward Katie Corcoran and centre-half-back Grace Bailey were among the many catching the eye.

Kildare began well with a point from the talented Aoife Treacy, a girl with strong Ballina links, and scores from corner-forward Sinead Shine, but Mayo were in charge at the interval.

The Leinster champions began the second half with a bang and the gap was back to three a minute after the resumption, but then Mayo cut loose. Points began to flow and when Duffy was fouled in the goalmouth, Aoibhinn McNamara sent the spot kick to the net.

Mayo were pulling away and the goals continued to flow courtesy of Hughes and Duffy. Kildare never stopped trying, but the Green and Red were headed for the final where they will meet Kerry two weeks from Saturday.

This was a team performance of high quality – they will require the same and more if they're to bring home the silverware.

A full match report and reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.