Mighty Muredach's win Mayo's Flanagan Cup Final impressively

MAYO POST PRIMARY SCHOOL FLANAGAN CUP FINAL

St Muredach's Ballina 3-13

St Gerald's Castlebar 1-6

In Castlebar

THE famous Flanagan Cup will rest by the Moy for the next 12 months after a display of pacey, exciting football powered St Muredach's to the title this afternoon in Josie Munnelly Park. 

The Ballina students were clear and deserving winners and had the deal sealed long before the end as St Gerald's failed to fire on the day. Muredach's took charge from the start and were five clear at the break, 2-5 to 1-3. Goals from Bonniconlon's Sean Foody and Ardnaree's Nathan Roddy gave the boys in red a serious advantage while Gerald's stayed in the game with a net-shaker from centre-half-back Fionn McHale. 

Gerald's had the wind behind them in the second half, but it made little difference. The Castlebar students were somewhat understrength and may have had next week's championship clash with Claregalway in their eye-line, but they never found their rhythm.

WATCH: St Muredach's manager David McHale reacts to Flanagan Cup win

The superior work rate of Muredach's was noticeable and was rewarded after 36 minutes when Roddy found the net after fine play from Patrick Carr and Corey Lavery. They were never going to be caught after that and with Oisin McCann, Cahair Tighe, Oisin Gavin, Dylan Sweeney, Conor Jordan and Peter Quinn among those catching the eye, they powered on.

All Gerald's had to offer the scoreboard in the second half was a two-point free from Luke Lydon and a single free from Tiernan Brady. The Castlebar students will be aware that a much-improved display will be required when championship comes around next week, but they're well-capable of achieving the improvement necessary.

Meanwhile, Muredach's will be well-pleased with today's performance. Some of the football they played was a joy to behold and if they improve further in the coming weeks they may have a serious impact on the provincial championship.

Their management team of David McHale, James Carr, John Brogan and PJ Sweeney will be delighted with today's result and the momentum building as the boys in red enjoy their excellent start to the season.

A full match report and reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.