Kiltimagh crowned kings of Connacht after impressive performance

Connacht Junior Championship Football Final

Kiltimagh 0-16

Aughavas 0-8

In Carrick on Shannon

THE mighty men from Gilmartin Park have written another chapter in their history after coming away from Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada with the Connacht title in their cargo.

Mick Regan's team were impressive from the start. Up against Aughavas of Leitrim, Kiltimagh were fast out of the blocks and they led 0-6 to no score early on after points from player of the match Thomas Keegan, Jamie McNicholas, Jordan Henry, Jamie McNicholas and a fine two-pointer from Paul Kelly kicked the Mayo men into gear.

The Leitrim kingpins enjoyed plenty of possession throughout but when it came to the scoring department, they struggled although the East Mayo men had something to do with that as Mattie Cummins and Kevin Mulderrig were outstanding as well as team captain Liam Kelly in the heart of the defence. 

Aughavas got up and running after 19 minutes from a long-distance free although their first score from open play only came with 42 minutes gone. Going in at the break, the Mayo men led 0-11 to 0-3.

Both sides kicked numerous wides in the second half although Kiltimagh looked to be well in control. Eoghan Lavin and Aidan Cosgrave appeared from off the bench and the pair who have previously represented Mayo at underage levels showed prominently. 

As time ticked by, it became glaringly obvious that it would be Kiltimagh’s day. The final whistle saw them crowned Connacht Junior Champions, the same as in 2009 when the East Mayo men went onto the All Ireland decider. Sixteen years later, the blues are one game from Croke Park, but Tyrone kingpins Clogher Éire Óg will stand in their way when the pair face off on the first weekend in January in the All Ireland semi-final.

For now though, it’s celebration mode as Kiltimagh are kings of Connacht.

A full match report and reaction will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News.