Laois impress as Mayo beaten in cool Tooreen

NHL Division Two Round One

Mayo 0-12

Laois 6-23

In Tooreen

In the first ever competitive meeting between the sides, it was the visitors who recorded a comprehensive victory as an electric first half performance paved the way for an impressive win. Mayo without many of the Tooreen contingent had eleven clubs involved as players from Ballina, Westport, Ballyhaunis, Tooreen, Castlebar, Moytura, Kinvara, Claremorris, Ballygar, Caiseal Gaels and Ballyvary all wore the Mayo jersey with pride.

Laois, who are just down from Division One, impressed across the 70 minutes as James Keyes, Aaron Dunphy and Cillian Dunne all showed well up front.

A hat trick of goals from Keyes and a brace from Dunne had the visitors in a commanding lead at the interval. Mayo opened their account with the last puck in the half as Ryan Duffy pointed from a free. Going in at the break, Laois led 5-15 to Mayo’s 0-1.

The result was all but sealed at the interval, however in the second half, Ray Larkin’s Mayo side showed spirit as they battled gamely. The Green and Red enjoyed much more of the possession in the second period as Ballygar’s Ryan Duffy impressed along with Ballyhaunis’ Cormac Phillips. 

Duffy who finished with ten points led the way for last year’s Division Three champions, however Laois were in control as last year’s Joe Mc Donagh finalists secured the match points.

For Mayo, they face London in Ruislip next while the return of the Tooreen players can be a huge addition for Ray Larkin and co. 

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