MEMORY LANE: Mayo Senior Final replay sparks look at past deciders

1988: MITCHELS CONTINUE WINNING RUN IN REPLAYS

Castlebar Mitchels 1-12 Crossmolina Deel Rovers 0-9

This was the third time that Castlebar Mitchels were brought to a replay to determine who would be Mayo champions, and once again, they did the business in thrilling style to claim glory.

Much like in 1956, Crossmolina Deel Rovers were the unwilling participants in the unique occasion, making them the only club to have lost two county final replays.

On the first day, Mitchels looked home and hosed, but the men from the banks of the Deel weren’t for throwing in the towel.

Seconds were left, and Crossmolina had clawed it back to the minimum. Sub JJ McLoughlin was hauled down, earning his side an invaluable free.

All eyes were on Hugh Lynn, and the ace attacker clipped the ball over the bar to ensure crowds would be flocking in their droves to Charlestown for ‘Round Two’.

Unfortunately for the Rovers, there was to be no fairytale in the repeat fixture.

They flew out of the traps and led by six at one stage, but Brian Kilkelly’s goal helped etch him into Castlebar Mitchels folklore and it spurred them to victory.

The Mitchels defence was rigid and they powered to victory. The game may have been marred by an apparent ten-man brawl with five minutes to go, but few from the county town cared.

They were champions, and the bonfires were lit.