Knockmore survive Westport rally to win second senior county title

Mayo Senior Ladies County Final

Knockmore 2-8 Westport 0-12

Oisín McGovern in Bekan

A powerful late Westport offensive wasn’t enough to stop Knockmore crowned senior county champions for the second time in their history this afternoon.

First-half goals made a huge difference to Knockmore, who were ten points up at one stage but only won the game by two.

Had Westport been a bit more accurate, victory would have been there’s.

But it ended in heartbreak from the Covies when Aoife Geraghty’s last-gasp attempt to level sailed inches over the crossbar.

Knockmore were excellent in a first half where Westport were off the pace.

Led from the back by Emma Lowther and team captain Nina McVann, Knockmore went in front after five minutes when Lara Sweeney won a penalty that was finished by Shauna Howley.

Knockmore had seven unique scorers and turned Westport over on numerous in the first half, which came to a positive conclusion when Lara Sweeney got a goal with a bullet of a shot.

A fine follow-up point from Amy O’Connor left the half-time scores at 2-6 0-4.

Like the first half, the second half began slowly.

Knockmore were 2-7 to 0-3 up after 40 minutes before Westport strung together eight points that were only interrupted by one score from Lara Sweeney.

Neil Chambers’ girls did everything in their power to close the gap, and were unlucky to see goal attempts from Lisa Tully and the inspirational Aoife Geraghty come within a coat of paint of the crossbar.

Knockmore were gallant in defence and slick in attack and ultimately outlasted the Covie siege to be crowned queens of Mayo football for the second time in three seasons.

There will be a full report plus reaction from the Knockmore camp in Tuesday’s print edition of The Mayo News.