Knockmore best Mayo Gaels to secure home championship quarter-final

GAA - MAYO SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Knockmore 3-20

Mayo Gaels 1-12

In Parke

TWO quick-fire goals from the boot of Liam Durkan and John Gallagher were crucial in this one as Knockmore eventually found their groove to ease past Mayo Gaels and secure a home quarter-final as they continue their assault on the Mayo Senior Club Championship.

Let’s clear one thing up here. This was not easy at times for the men from St Joseph’s Park. They were put under the cosh at times by this Gaels outfit, and at one stage the South Mayo men led by three with half-time looming.

However, they found a response as they so often do, and went about their business in a professional manner.

Ray Dempsey’s men knew if they took care of business, they’d be alright, and that they did.

For Mayo Gaels, they’ll take plenty from how they applied themselves in this as they head into the relegation playoffs.

Nathan Armstrong got the ball rolling for the men in saffron and blue, but they weren’t going to be getting anything handy in this one, with Jack Fallon and James Jennings singles keeping Gaels in touch.

Connell Dempsey, Aiden Orme, and skipper Peter Naughton seemed to have Knockmore edging away, but Mayo Abbey’s finest weren’t to be toyed with.

In fact, when David Quinn rose highest to fist past a flat-footed Colm Reape, the scales were balanced once more.

Padraig Jennings edged the Gaels in front, and his namesake James produced a fine two-pointer to add an unexpected complexion to the scoreboard.

That lead was short-lived, and when Conor Flynn found Caolan Hopkins in space, he took his chance with aplomb in the midst of an all-at-sea defence to raise a green flag and tie the clash.

Naughton restored Knockmore's scoreboard superiority once more, before Orme doubled his tally as well as the advantage ahead of Kieran Barnicle’s half-time whistle.

 A James Jennings placed ball had the minimum separating the clubs, but a trio of Knockmore singles widened the chasm.

John Gallagher did try to muster a fightback, but before long the gap was out to five thanks to Naughton and Nathan Armstrong again.

With twelve to go, the 2021 kings were still peering anxiously over their shoulders, but that changed in a matter of 40 seconds.

First, Liam Durkan fired past Paul Mannion to the ecstasy of the travelling Knockmore support. Then, Kevin McLoughlin sold a pair of defenders to rattle the onion bag to take the sting out of proceedings.

From there, things took on a more academic feel. The highlight of the closing ten minutes was Connell Dempsey’s booming two-point free, as minds in both camps had already turned to the challenges that await.

A full report, plus reaction, will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News