Mayo's LGFA titans to clash on Ladies' Final Day

WESTPORT V KNOCKMORE

HASTINGS INSURANCE MACHALE PARK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT 2 PM

This year's Mayo Ladies Championship final has the potential to be a real cracker.

From the outset, many bookmakers would have bet on this pairing meeting in the decider. A young Westport side on the crest of a wave, gunning to retain the title, against a smarting Knockmore side who are determined to halt the champions in their tracks.

However, just because it was expected doesn’t make it any less exciting for those who will be fortunate enough to witness this epic clash in Castlebar on Sunday.

In the sky-blue corner stand the reigning, defending champions. Pop Geraghty and Westport scaled the summit in 2024, breaking new ground as they reached a fresh peak.

In conversation with The Mayo News, their bainisteoir detailed the potential contrasting emotions that can come from the biggest days out for a club.

“It's an honour and it's a privilege to be county champions. But we also know what it's like being on the other side and losing finals, and that hurt, so we know how much motivation that gives the likes of Knockmore.”

The motivation of past defeats can spur a side on, but this Westport group is feeding off the euphoria of the last campaign. With the likes of Nicola O’Malley and Saoirse Lally hoovering up ball for fun, and Aoife Staunton and Laura Moran tearing it up in attack, this well-oiled winning machine looks primed for war.

“We were delighted to win last year, and there were some great celebrations. It would be a huge honour to be able to do that again.

“We're really proud of our defence, some real warriors in there, so they'll be ready for the challenge.”

That water-tight rearguard has been the basis for some impressive displays in 2025. They have ground down sides with relentless hunger, chewing them up and spitting them out.

Knockmore, on the other hand, have shown there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Against every unwilling victim, they have blown them out of the water early in games as they move ever closer, laser-like, to their aspirations of reclaiming their throne.

Westport may have an A+ defence, but they will come against the stiffest test of their credentials yet when the Saffron and Blue come to Castlebar to tango.

This is epitomised in the dastardly duo of Amy O’Connor and Clodagh Keane. A tally of 14-28 over four games almost feels beyond the realms of possibility, but this pair have amassed that total between them and caused many sleepless nights for defenders.

Can the ‘Port get to grips with what Stephen Sweeney’s saffron sisters bring to the party?

Time will tell, but I’ll back Knockmore to be the ones singing wildly as they make their way back North, with winter nights warmed by the burning inferno of victory on Sunday.

VERDICT: Knockmore