Super subs send Knockmore into the final

MAYO SFC SEMI-FINAL

Knockmore 2-15

Breaffy 0-18

(after extra time)

CASTLEBAR

ONE of the great club teams of Mayo football fought their way into the county final as evening fell over Castlebar. Knockmore, the men from the edge of Lough Conn, came from behind to book a place in the decider thanks in no small part to late goals from substitutes Charlie Bourke and Billy Ruane.

There were times all through the game when it looked as if Breaffy were headed for a second final in succession, but Knockmore stayed in the running to set up a local derby against Ballina Stephenites in the decider.

It was a case of mixed emotions for both sides at half time when they went to the dressingroom with Breaffy a point clear, 0-8 to 0-7. The leaders had been the better team for the majority of the first 30 minutes desipte playing into the wind, but Knockmore made the most of their chances and were well-positioned when Kevin Connelly blew the short whistle.

Aidan O'Shea, Matthew Ruane, Pierce Deane and Tommy O'Reilly had delivered the Breaffy points while Darren McHale, Aiden Orme, Liam Durcan, Sean Holmes, goalkeeper Colm Reape and two beauties from Connell Dempsey accounted for Knockmore's white flags.

The second half was a battle of wills from beginning to end. Orme was kicking frees for Knockmore while Breaffy had a greater spread of scorers but when lion-hearted centre-half-back Conor Flynn kicked a point in the 49^th minute, Knockmore were in front, 0-13 to 0-12.

Breaffy had a wonderful goal chance a few minutes later when a flowing move ended with Tommy O'Reilly shooting for goal only for Colm Reape to produce a fantastic save.

Knockmore remained in front until the 58^th minute when Aidan O'Shea swung over a free from the right after his inter-county colleague Colm Reape was caught in possession.

However, there was still time for Knockmore to win it but Orme was off-target with a free from the ground before Breaffy went down the other end and earned a free of their own, however O'Shea's effort from all of 55 yards dropped short and extra-time was called for with the teams locked together, 0-13 apiece.

Knockmore were dealt a severe blow five minutes into the first added period when midfielder Pearse Ruttledge was red carded for an off-the-ball clash.

Breaffy were two points up when the second half of extra time began, but they were dealt a severe blow when substitute Conor Beirne was sent off for a challenge just moments after the second period started.

Moments later Knockmore were back in front when Bourke found the net and when 17-year-old Ruane ran through to slide the ball home for another goal the roar could be heard back by the lake.

The remaining minutes were hard-fought and frenetic, but there was no material change to the scoreline and the men in saffron and blue were headed to another county final.

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