Classy Mayo capture Ted Webb crown

FOOTBALL: Ted Webb Cup Final

Mayo Red 3-9

Kerry North 1-7

“This was a game worthy of the memory of Tedd Webb, a young man taken from us much too soon. Two fine teams playing football the way it should be.” The words of Martin Costello as he presented the prestigious cup to Mayo's co-captains Thomas Hession and Mark Feeney highlighted the fact that Saturday's final in Tuam Stadium defied the driving rain and twisting wind and kept the attendance richly entertained from first whistle to last.

Mayo started slowly and Kerry were in front early thanks to points from lively corner-forward Liam Cooper, but when Mayo got rolling they were much the better team. Full-back Thomas Hession, wing-back David Hurley, centre-half-forward Kobe McDonald and corner-forward Oisin Deane were prominent as Tom O'Reilly's team took charge.

A goal from Deane helped Mayo to a 1-4 to 0-2 lead at the interval and they powered clear after the resumption. Points from McDonald and another goal from Deane put ten between the sides after 40 minutes. Things got even better at the start of the final quarter when Castlebar's Harry McHale flicked home Mayo's third goal after a fine run from Hession.

In truth, the result was decided at that stage, but Kerry enjoyed their own purple patch in the closing stages. Cooper and Kerry North's other corner-forward Jack Joy kicked points and wing-back Mike Coolahan raced forward to blaze home a superb goal to close the gap with four minutes to play but Mayo never panicked.

They steadied the ship and with Joe Forry catching the eye up front the Mayo boys powered forward. McDonald was a central figure and when Evan Walsh kicked the final point of the day the Tedd Webb Cup was destined for Mayo hands.

Afterwards, Martin Costello from Mayo Coaching and Games presented the cup to co-captains Hession and Feeney in front of family and friends in the famous old stadium.

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