ROUNDUP: Mayo women’s soccer league action enthralls crowds

There was no shortage of action around the grounds last Friday evening, as the Mayo women’s soccer leagues continued at a frenetic pace following the first round of action seven days before.

Those who braved the elements of Friday evening were treated to plenty of goalmouth action as they dodged the showers, as on average 4.5 goals were scored per game. Here, we’ll try and give a flavour of the action as it unfolded across all three divisions.

READ MORE: Tables take shape as Mayo soccer season gathers pace

Premier Division

The county’s dominant side and reigning champions, Manulla, ensured they made a strong statement in their maiden tie of the 2025 league, winning 3-0 at home against Swinford.

Former Mayo Gaelic footballer Aoife Brennan opened both her own account and her side’s account for the season with 19 on the clock, with captain Stacey Freyne providing the assist.

It didn’t take long for the second to come, this time courtesy of Lauren McLellan in the 25th minute, to leave two between the sides as they trudged to the dressing rooms.

For the champions’ third goal, this time Brennan turned provider, assisting McLellan to wrap up a brace, and the tie on the night.

The result sees Manulla join Castlebar Town, who recorded a facile 6-1 win over Swinford a week prior, on three points.

READ MORE: Women’s soccer on the rise as three new teams join Mayo leagues

Division 1

The clash of Kiltimagh/Knock United and Kilmore in the opening gameweek of the Division 1 season produced a whirlwind first half with five goals raining in. Kathrina Barrett opened the scoring five in for visitors Kilmore, before popping up with another eight minutes later.

Shona Mahon pulled one back for the hosts 19 minutes in, adding a flicker of jeopardy, but Barrett and Kilmore abruptly extinguished that hope, as the prolific striker made it a hat-trick.

Michelle Doherty made it 4-1 before half-time, and while Amber Noone was able to pull one back for United, there was no questioning the winners here.

Killala were even more ruthless in their joust with Westport United. The strike partnership of Alva Munnelly and Ciara Murphy proved too hot to handle on either side of half time, as they both found the net in Acts One and Two to ensure a 4-0 victory on the road in Westport.

READ MORE: Castlebar Celtic through to Connacht Cup final after beating St John’s Athletic in extra-time

Division 2

Ballina Town produced a barnstorming second-half performance to make it two from two and secure bragging rights over Crossmolina.

To the defence of visitors Crossmolina, they put in a dogged and battling effort to hold Ballina Town scoreless for 50 minutes. Emma Tolan broke the deadlock for the hosts, but couldn’t hold onto their lead for long, as Crossmolina captain Ruth Queenan pounced to equalise.

Once the Ballina Town girls found the net, there was no stopping them. Margaret Giblin re-established their advantage mere seconds after the leveller, before Kayla Salami and Tolan once more pushed the lead out to 4-1 in the end.

This early top-of-the-table clash pushes Ballina Town three points ahead of Friday’s opponents in second place.