Belmullet win thrilling Mayo schools clash against Swinford

FOOTBALL MAYO COLLEGES FLANAGAN CUP D CHAMPIONSHIP

Our Lady's Belmullet 2-10

Scoil Mhuire & Phadraic Swinford 1-5

IN SWINFORD

FAR from the madding crowd, the footlights and the buzz, these two renowned football-schools played out a hugely entertaining match in cloud-covered Robert McCallion Park on Wednesday.

Our Lady's were arguably the better team throughout, but the Erris boys never found a moment's comfort as the home side attacked at every opportunity and played with great determination and desire.

Swinford hit the front moments after throw-in when Evan Rowley pointed after just eight seconds, but Belmullet hit back immediately with a goal from corner-forward Kyle Healy, and they never looked back.

The guests were eight clear at the break, 1-7 to 0-2, after some excellent scores from midfielder Jack Lynch and goalkeeper Leo Reuland, but the scoreline was a little harsh on the home side.

Reuland had to be at his best to deny impressive centre-half-forward Conor Kennedy a goal after six minutes. The ball rebounded to Kennedy again and he thought he had found the net, only for Belmullet corner-back Conaill Rowan to take the ball off the line.

Swinford were backed by the stiff breeze in the second half and went in search of the Erris boys. Rowley landed a free and Shay Durkan crashed home a goal after 35 minutes but that was as good as it got for the home side.

Our Lady's settled and with Lynch, Kian Carey, Matthew Lynch, Thomas McWilliams, Blake Doocey and Conor Connolly to the fore, they powered back into it.

McWilliams, Lynch and Carey kicked points and when Gavin McAndrew drilled home a late goal they had sealed the deal.

Swinford never stopped trying and were competitive to the last with points from Rowley and Crwford, but it was Our Lady's day and they headed for Erris with victory in their cargo.

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