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

1956: TITLE RETURNS TO COUNTY TOWN AFTER BRIEF ABSENCE

Castlebar Mitchels 0-14 Crossmolina Deel Rovers 1-6

The 1950s were a true golden era for the ‘ballers of Castlebar, as they dominated the club scene in the county.

In the period between the last replay in 1941 and the 1956 decider, Mitchels had won a stunning eleven out of the 14 deciders, copper-fastening themselves as a team to be feared.

However, on a rare occasion in 1955, Ballina Stephenites managed to wrestle the cup from their iron grip.

This set up a terse semi-final between the pair, which Castlebar won, setting up a salivating clash between Mitchels and Ballina’s near-neighbours, Crossmolina Deel Rovers.

In the final, they couldn’t be separated after one hour, so a replay was required.

Thankfully for the Castlebar contingent, the second run out was a bit more of a comfortable day at the office, as the Michels won by five to set off healthy celebrations.