Strong and courageous second half sees Westport to victory over Breaffy

MAYO SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL

Westport 2-16

Breaffy 1-16

In Breaffy

To say it was a game of two halves would be an understatement when two West Mayo heavyweights clashed on Breaffy soil. 

From nine points down at one stage and a numerical disadvantage in the second half, Pat Holmes’ Westport side showed courage, resilience and a never say die attitude as they reeled in the Division One League Champions to pull off a famous victory. 

It was the hosts that started best as they raced into an early lead with Pierce Deane, Robbie Fadden and Conor O’Shea pointing. In a slow manner, the Clew Bay side came into the game as Killian Kilkelly hit to the net with a cool finish with eleven minutes played. 

Breaffy seemed to take control in the first half as they increased their lead with Jack Livinstone’s two pointers to the fore and the home side followed up with a strong first half display that saw seven players getting on the scoresheet. 

Westport were sloppy in the opening half but Conal Dawson booted over for a crucial score just before the break as Breaffy led 0-13 to Westport’s 1-5. 

The 2022 Senior Champions needed a big performance in the fresh half and with credit, they produced one. Although Davitt Neary finished to the net early on and goalkeeper Paddy O'Malley saw red for a collision, Westport never seemed to panic. Trailing by nine points and a numerical advantage, they fought back in a manner that deserves a huge amount of credit.

Two pointers from Conal Dawson, Finbar Mc Laughlin and Colm Moran appeared to kickstart Westport’s comeback although it’s worth noting how wasteful Breaffy were in the second half considering they had a numerical advantage. 

With 57 minutes on the clock, substitute Colm Moran got a crucial hand as his palmed effort crashed into the net much to the delight of the Westport contingent. The hosts went scoreless for the remaining 25 minutes as the visitors celebrated on Breaffy turf. 

Pat Holmes and Westport can now look forward to a Semi Final clash in two weeks time while Sean Deane and Breaffy have reached the end of the road for another year. 

WATCH: Lee Keegan on Westport's huge Mayo SFC comeback win in Breaffy

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