ROUNDUP: Mayo GAA Leagues get underway in style

THE starting gun sounded on Saturday and clubs all across Mayo began their senior league campaigns. A stream of stories and talking points were created.

DIVISION ONE

Belmullet recorded a good win on the road when they overcame Claremorris by two points.

County panelist Seamus Howard was impressive for the visitors as they ran out narrow victors. In Knockmore, it was Garrymore who came away with the spoils.

The visitors ran out six-point winners as Tony Corcoran and Fintan Forde’s side gained a fine win on the road. In what was a meeting of last season’s championship semi-finalists, Crossmolina welcomed Westport to St Tiernan’s Park.

The hosts led by seven points at the break but an impressive second half from Pat Holmes’ men saw them turn it around. However, a late two pointer from the boot of the home side’s Cillian Fergus meant that the spoils were shared as the scoreboard read Crossmolina 2-16, Westport 1-19. 

DIVISION TWO

Hollymount Carramore ran out narrow victors over Parke. In a battle of the two Intermediate sides, it was the South Mayo outfit who were 1-14 to 1-12 winners although they were trailing by two at the break.

Moy Davitts under the guidance of Pat Clarke, Jimmy Byrne and Pat Kelly suffered a defeat at home on Saturday evening. It was Mayo Gaels who came out impressive winners on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-14.

Earlier on Saturday, a thriller was played out in Ballindine between Davitts and Ballaghaderreen. Kuba Callaghan was on fire for Ballagh’ as the county panelist kicked 1-13 from play and placed balls.

In the end, the sides couldn't be separated as Davitts kicked 3-12 while Ballaghaderreen notched 1-18.

DIVISION THREE

Kilmeena, the only senior club in the division, recorded a win over The Neale. The Clew Bay side without over a half dozen regulars ran out 1-10 to 1-7 victors with Kilmeena’s goal coming from defender Luke Durkan.

Along the coast Kiltane hosted Louisburgh in Doohoma and it was a thriller with the Erris side recording a hard-earned victory thanks to a last-minute goal.

There was an entertaining battle between two of the leading candidates in the Junior Championship as Eastern Gaels hosted Bonniconlon.

The sides couldn't be separated in Brickens with the two teams finishing on 2-11 apiece. Back in Erris, Cill Chomain fell to defeat at the hands of Ballyhaunis with the East Mayo men running out 2-14 to 1-9 winners.

In Sean Duffy Park, the meeting of Ardnaree and Burrishoole turned out to be a thriller. Liam O’Malley’s charges were six up at the break, however the hosts turned it around and ran out 4-13 to 2-16 winners.

DIVISION FOUR

LAHARDANE recorded a narrow victory over Westport B while Kiltimagh were awarded a walkover over Breaffy B. The meeting of Kilamine and Ardagh was a superb spectacle and it was Ardagh, the visitors who took the spoils.

Under the management of Sean Carey, Ardagh were victorious 5-22 to 2-23. Last year’s Mayo minor, Tony Carey, was the stand-out player kicking 2-9 for Ardagh while Lee Traynor weighed in with 2-4.

In Swinford, it was the hosts who secured an impressive 0-16 to 0-5 victory over Shrule Glencorrib in Robert McCallion Park. 

DIVISION FIVE

TOURMAKEADY had a huge win over Claremorris B. The hosts ran out 7-22 to 1-10 winners in the Gaeltacht.

Knockmore B were made to work hard as they overcame Achill in St Joseph’s Park. The North Mayo men ran out 1-18 to 2-10 winners.

Ballycroy secured an impressive victory over Kilmovee, as the Erris side ran out 3-10 to 0-11 winners with goals from Michael Conway and Rory Conway and a screamer from Ronan Grealis.

Islandeady had a fine win over a strong Castlebar B side who had James Durcan, Neil Douglas and Ultan O’Reilly featuring.

However, it was the side managed by Michael Walsh and Fearghal Hoban who ran out 0-18 0-11 winners. In Tom Langan Park, Northern Gaels overcame Ballycastle on a scoreline of 4-8 to 1-2 to get their season off to a great start.