Balla beat The Neale to stay senior

Mayo Senior Club Championship
Relegation Play-Off

Balla 0-11
The Neale 0-7


BALLA will be back among the senior ranks in 2024 after they ground out a tense victory over a gallant Neale side at Hollymount on Sunday afternoon.
The West Mayo side knew they were in a battle for long periods but they finished much the stronger of the two teams, and in the end they comfortably secured their senior status for a fourth successive season.
Balla have yet to win a group game at senior level since their Intermediate victory in 2021, and this is now the third season in a row where they have survived through a relegation play-off.
Joint manager Alan Nolan was just happy to get the job done.
“It's a relief. These are not the nicest of games to be involved in because there is so much on the line, but the club as a whole are looking to push on and we all know that senior football in Mayo is hugely competitive. It's good to be still there.”
The opening exchanges were very even but a late spurt from Balla saw them take a 0-7 to 0-4 half-time lead with points from Conor Walsh, Gary McHale and Val Roughneen.
Tommy Conroy was a constant thorn in Balla's side and he kicked his fifth of the game to make it 0-8 to 0-7 after 46 minutes, but the winners closed out the job with a dominant last quarter with the very influential Ryan McFadden kicking the pick of their scores to close out a four points victory.
The Neale will have to beat Ballyhaunis in the Mayo SFC relegation play-off final if they are to avoid dropping down to Intermediate football again.


See Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News for a report and reaction to Balla's victory.