Swinford make big statement with opening-day championship win

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1

Swinford 0-13

Bonniconlon 0-10

SWINFORD

THE home were left clinging on to victory at the end despite a dominant performance against Bonniconlon in a windy Robert McCallion Park on Sunday afternoon.

The East Mayo men opened their championship campaign with a well-deserved victory but it took a Conor Campbell save from Dara Fox in injury-time to ensure both points stayed with Brian Gallagher’s men.

Despite playing into a gale force wind in the opening half it was the home side who made better use of the ball and were deservedly leading 0-6 to 0-2 at the break. Two Sean Neary points for the visitors book-ended home scores from the impressive Thomas Tuffy, Mark Forkan, Barry Brennan and a Liam Moran double.

Playing with the wind at their backs Swinford continued their dominance in the second-half and pushed their lead out to eight points with ten minutes left on the clock.

The North Mayo men, with nothing to lose in the closing stages, pushed up on the Swinford kick-out and this tactic led to five unanswered points as Conor Campbell’s restarts were picked off.

As Bonniconlon looked for a revival Conor Igoe got in on goal but found the angle too tight and Campbell saved in the 57th minute. Four minutes later Fox got a shot away right in front of goal but it went straight at Campbell and with it Bonniconlon’s best chance of stealing a draw.

Tuffy, Liam Moran, Dylan Toner and Mark Forkan impressed for the home side with Sean Neary and Ciaran Gaughan showing well for Bonniconlon.

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