Mayo defeated in Oscar Traynor Cup semi-final in Castlebar

OSCAR TRAYNOR CUP SEMI-FINAL

Mayo League 1

Limerick District League 2

CASTLEBAR

TWO goals in the first three minutes dashed Mayo's dream of reaching their second national final in succession in Umbro Park this afternoon. The nightmare start was almost impossible to recover from and despite Mayo dominating the rest of the match they were still a goal adrift at the final whistle.c

Mayo had to line out without three players who were withdrawn by Ballyheane due to a complaint the club has with the Mayo League.

Limerick hit the front in 61 seconds and doubled their lead just moments later. The home side were on the ropes and taking punishment. Another blow would have finished them at that stage, but they covered up, survived and gradually fought their way back into contention.

The early goals came courtesy of a well-taken finish from tall centre-forward Kieran O'Connell and

a bullet of a penalty from Shane Walsh. Mayo were in real trouble at that stage, but they settled and pulled a goal back through team captain Jordan Loftus after 25 minutes. Loftus, returning from a long injury break looked lively and inventive when the ball came his way.

The Mayo goal and their dominance of play left the tie delicately poised at the second half began with the home side on the front foot. The men in white pushed forward looking for the equaliser but chances were hard to create against a hard-working Limerick back line.

Cillian White, Oran Groarke and Johnny Cocozza all caught the eye and Mayo might have had a penalty after 61 minutes when Loftus seemed to be pulled back, but no whistle sounded.

Mark Cunningham sent a screamer from the edge of the box just over the top after 66 minutes as the home boys attacked in waves. However, the passing accuracy required wasn't evident and Limerick survived and thrived.

Indeed, it was the visiting side who came closest to scoring again when Conor Carew ran in from the left and hit the crossbar with an excellent effort.

Mayo kept trying but without Loftus, who was replaced midway through the second half, the home side struggled to find scoring opportunities.

They kept pushing forward until the final whistle but no clear chance was created and the season that promised so much ended at the semi-final stage.

A full match report and after-match reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.