Stunning Mayo final ends in breathless win for Swinford Killasser

FOOTBALL MAYO LGFA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Swinford Killasser 2-14

Parke 2-12

In Castlebar

A hugely entertaining end-to-end battle in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park ended with the silverware headed for Swinford Killasser. The classic encounter wasn't decided until the final moments and the unbridled joy on the faces of the new champions illustrated how precious the result truly was. 

The first half was an end-to-end, breathless battle as both sides threw everything and everyone forward. Parke faced into the stiff breeze but got off to a flyer. The women in black and amber roared into attack and had a goal and two points on the board inside five minutes.

Leah Conway was the goal-scorer when she finished the ball to the net after fine work from Connie Barrett and Gracie O'Brien.

However, Swinford Killasser took charge on the scoreboard for the next 20 minutes and led 1-8 to 1-4 as half time approached.

Regina Mullaney supplied the goal after eleven minutes and wing-back Melissa Devaney kicked a classy point from the left as Justin McDonagh's women took over.

Centre-half-forward Caitlin Henry and winger Rhona Brennan continually carried the ball forward for the leaders while full-forward Briana Fallon's relentless efforts were also noteworthy.

However, Parke found their second wind just before the interval and goal from team captain Emma Walsh helped them to close the gap to a single point, 2-6 to 1-10 at half-time.

The momentum was with Parke at that stage and with the wind behind them in the second period they set off in search of victory.

Conway, Walsh and Eimear O'Donnell all kicked points early in the third quarter and with ten minutes left to play, the West Mayo women were two clear, 2-10 to 1-11, and dominating matters. However, the style, resilience and never-say-die attitude of Swinford Killasser was about to take centre stage.

Every woman in white, black and red stood tall and they powered forward into the breeze. Mullaney kicked a free and when Fallon found the net after 55 minutes following a great run from Henry, they were two up.

Fallon stretched the gap to three soon after and Parke needed a goal.

Nollaig Blake roused the chasers with some lung-bursting runs downfield and when Conway and Walsh pointed the gap was back to a single point, as five minutes of injury-time was announced.

However, the pace and running power of Swinford Killasser was hugely influential in the closing stages as wing-back Emily Rowley and wing-forward Niamh Casey made crucial interventions and when Rhona Brennan put her side two clear again they were headed for glory.

A full match report and reaction from Player of the Match Caitlin Henry will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News