Carnacon back in the race after win in Hollymount

Mayo LGFA Senior Championship

Hollymount 2-6

Carnacon 2-9

A rain-soaked battle between neighbours and age-old rivals ended with Carnacon edging past the home side in St Coman's Park on Sunday morning. The former All Ireland champions needed to win to stay in the championship reckoning after losing out to Knockmore seven days earlier while Hollymount looked to build on their first round win over Castlebar Mitchels.

Hollymount enjoyed a lot of possession and looked to run at the guests every chance they got but Carnacon's experience and composure kept them at bay for long periods while the women in green and red made the most of their chances at the other end.

Amy Dowling got Carnacon off to a flying start with a well-taken goal after three minutes but Hollymount hit back immediately when Anita Murphy blasted home after fine play from Jessica Commins and Nicola Hession. 

The home side's full-forward Ava Keane looked dangerous every time the ball came her way but Carnacon hit another hammer-blow after 15 minutes when Louise Dowling crashed home a fine goal. 

That left the guests a point clear at the break, 2-4 to 1-6, and when Cora Staunton landed two points early in the second period the gap was out to three.

However, Hollymount were in determined mood and a flowing move ended with Murphy hitting her second goal of the day to balance the scores.

The home crowd were roaring on their team at that stage, but amazingly they would not score again for the rest of the day. Grace Campbell, Emer Finlay, Lily Hession and Natasja Merry drove forward time and time again and Ava Keane looked dangerous but they couldn't get through.

Carnacon soaked up the pressure with Beth Hoban, Michelle McGing, Fiona McHale, Staunton and the Dowling sisters to the fore they kept working hard and prevented Hollymount from building a head of steam.

At the other end, McHale and Staunton kicked the points to move Carnacon three clear and try as they might Hollymount couldn't hit back.