Mayo hurlers suffer heartbreaking Final defeat in late drama in Croke Park

NICKY RACKARD CUP FINAL 

Mayo 1-21

Roscommon 3-16

In Croke Park

Mayo Hurlers have suffered back to back Nicky Rackard Final defeats, as this time, Roscommon secured glory in a narrow win for the Rossies.

It was Mayo who started brightly as they led nine points to three after 16 minutes of play. Three points from the excellent Liam Lavin was key to Mayo’s positive start.

However, Roscommon who were huge underdogs coming into this final fought back as they rattled off 1-4 without reply with a fantastic goal coming from the hurl of Sean Canning.

As a high ball entered in the direction of the Mayo goal, Roscommon’s Brendan Mulry rose highest as his flicked effort resulted in another goal for the Rossies, as they went in at the break leading on a scoreline of 2-8 to Mayo’s 0-11.

READ MORE: Mayo v Tyrone: All you need to know ahead of this weekend’s clash

The men in yellow and blue were in a good position midway through the second half but huge credit to Ray Larkin’s men, who battled back. An inspirational score from Mayo goalkeeper, Bobby Douglas followed by a well worked Eoin Delaney goal put Mayo into the lead. However Roscommon never gave up and showed fine accuracy at crucial stages in the second half. 

It looked like glory was to come for Mayo as they led by two with 68 minutes on the clock. However, Roscommon fought back as Brendan Mulry secured the winner in the dying stages. 

People say goals win games well, that  proved to be true on this occasion.

It wasn't Mayo’s best performance by a long way as the men in green and red hit 20 wides across the 70 minutes. Roscommon’s full forward line hit 3-6 between them with Sean Canning, Robbie Fallon and Brendan Mulry all scoring 1-2.

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