Kiltane sparkle in Bangor blockbuster

MAYO IFC ROUND 2

GROUP 3

Kiltane 1-14

Parke 1-13

BANGOR

THIS thrilling encounter was a roller-coaster from first whistle to last There might have been only a hair's breadth between them at the end, but Kiltane were the better team throughout and deserved the victory which puts them back in the championship mix.

The Erris men were seven points up half-time, 1-9 to 0-5, after a goal from Mikey Doran and a powerful display from Liam Donoghue in midfield. Parke looked dangerous when the ball went inside to speedy forward Darragh Reilly, but Anthony Coyle kept him relatively quiet and the home side improved with every passing moment.

Parke powered back into it after half time and closed the gap to three points on a number of occasions but Kiltane, with full-forward Josh Carey outstanding, never panicked and Ben Donoghue's accuracy from frees had them four clear in injury time.

There was still time for Parke to launch a revival bid and when Sean Sweeney bundled home a goal there was a glorious opportunity for them to grab a share of the spoils, however, Kiltane won the subsequent kick-out and minded the ball until the sound of the final whistle unleashed scenes of wild delight in the bright Erris sunshine.

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