Disappointing Mayo lose out to Sligo in dramatic ending

Connacht Minor Championship

Sligo 0-9

Mayo 0-8

In Tubbercurry

On a wet and cold evening in Tubbercurry, a fantastic Ryan Lang score in injury time sealed a famous win for the hosts over a disappointing Mayo side.

With catastrophic playing conditions at times, both sides kicked numerous wides across the hour while handling errors were plentiful on the greasy Kilcoyne Park surface. 

Diarmuid Byrne’s Mayo side started best as Alexander Smyth and Charlie Fallon pointed early on. The Green and Red playing with the wind, built up a lead and went in at the break in front, 0-6 to 0-1.

The energetic Fiachra Ó Cinnseala opened the second half with a well-worked score, but the pendulum swung and Sligo enjoyed a purple patch. Two pointers from Ryan Lang and Danny Feeney brought the hosts right back into things as Mayo began to struggle, particularly in attack. 

Across the evening, some of the decisions made by Leitrim referee Eamon Dolan caused some controversy and in the final moments, the Mayo management were left furious along the sideline when some crucial calls went against them. 

As time ticked away, impressive Sligo corner forward Ryan Lang produced an excellent shot from an acute angle and as the ball fell, the umpire reached for the white flag leaving the Sligo contingent jumping for joy in the damp Tubbercurry air.

For Mayo, a huge game awaits next Friday in Castlebar where they must beat Galway to keep their hopes of reaching a Connacht semi-final alive.

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

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