Killala are champions after wind-blown final

MAYO JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Killala 2-12

Kilmovee Shamrocks 1-9

In Castlebar

The famed streets of Killala will be rocking tonight when the young men of the seaside community come home with county silverware. The boys in blue were clear and deserving winners of today's wind-swept decider in MacHale Park despite a gallant challenge from Kilmovee.

The greater scoring power of the North Mayo side was the difference all through. Ben Stowe led the charge for the winners and ended the day with a fine tally of 1-8, but the performance of Ray Murphy in midfield was pivotal. His tireless and never-ending efforts were crucial as Martin Farrell's team built a winning platform,

Kilmovee worked hard against the wind, but Killala took a five-point lead to the break when they led 2-8 to 1-6. Stowe was their scorer-in-chief in the opening 30 minutes with 1-6 to his name. The goal arrived after 21 minutes when Liam Maughan made his presence felt in the middle. The ball was moved through the hands of wing-backs Michael O'Hora and Cian Monaghan before Stowe buried it.

Kilmovee, who were playing into the wind, responded almost immediately when a long ball into the mixer found the impressive Peter Horan inside and he advanced before sliding the leather smartly past the onrushing Sean McAndrew.

Killala were the better team for periods of the opening half with Callum McDonnell and Murphy enjoying an almighty battle in the middle with Oisin Duffy and Kevin Moffat.

Kilmovee began the second half impressively and pushed forward but the scores didn't come as quickly as they'd have liked.

Peter Horan raised a white flag but two frees from Stowe and classy point from the left from Murphy left them well clear, 2-11 to 1-7, as the final quarter began.

Kilmovee tried to get back into it and introduced Cathal Horan, who was returning from injury. However, they couldn't find an avenue to goal as Conor Gilvarry and his colleagues worked tirelessly for the men in blue and when the final whistle sounded the bonfire-makers back by the Atlantic were clicking into action.

Full match report and after-match reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.