Boys from the 'Tubber claim Mayo U-16 glory after thrilling final

MAYO U-16A FINAL

Ballintubber 1-22 Westport 2-17 (AET)

In Castlebar

THIS was a final as unique and thrilling as the occasion deserved. When these two, the premier sides from the Class of ‘09, came together on Mayo GAA’s greatest stage.

It took guts, heart, and no shortage of breathtaking skill for Ballintubber to win this one, but they showed all that and more in abundance.

To the victors go the spoils, and the silverware, but the battalion from Westport can hold their heads high as they put on a display for the ages.

The tone was set early with end-to-end exchanges, Conor Hoban and Rian Gavin trading scores before Adam Burton struck Ballintubber’s first goal to out them in charge. Westport, led by the electric Fiachra O’Cinnsealla, responded with points and later a green flag from Gavin, cutting what had been a nine-point gap to two by half-time.

Momentum swung again after the restart. Oisín Barrett’s goal ignited the Westport crowd, and by the final quarter, Galvin’s fisted finish had levelled matters. Both sides spurned further chances as McLoughlin and Murphy pulled off critical saves, leaving the teams deadlocked at full-time.

In extra time, Cillian Reilly – cramping heavily – kicked a stunning long-range effort, while Hoban showed nerves of steel with two more monstrous scores. Barrett and Tunney rallied Westport, but Gavin’s late effort skimmed wide, denying them a dramatic winner.

Exhausted but elated, Ballintubber emerged champions once again, their resilience and firepower in the decisive moments proving just enough to outlast their final foes.

A full report will be carried in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.