Extra time needed as Breaffy secure glory in hugely exciting Division One final

MAYO SFL DIVISION 1 FINAL

Breaffy 2-23

Crossmolina Deel Rovers 2-22 

(After extra time)

(2-17 each after normal time)

In Hastings Insurance MacHale Park

Sean Deane’s Breaffy side claimed silverware after the boys in blue came out victorious in what turned out to be an enthralling league final. With extra time needed, this clash went down to the wire in a clash of two talented sides.

Six points from Aidan Cunningham, five from goalkeeper Jack Livingston and four from man of the match Aidan O’Shea resulted in Breaffy claiming league glory in which they last tasted in 2017. 

Realistically there was never much between the sides as a ding-dong battle occurred across eighty minutes of football. However, Breaffy led by three at the break after a goal from Oisin Tunney had the West Mayo side in pole position. 

READ MORE: Callaghan fires Ballaghaderreen to Division 2 title

Brian Benson’s charges hit back with two fine goals from Niall Coggins which swung the pendulum in the young North Mayo side’s favour. 

Three points from Breaffy substitute Jude Lavin resulted in the finalists engaging in a serious in-game tussle as it was close throughout. Goalkeeper Jack Livingston kicked what looked like the winner but up the other end, Crossmolina’s Patrick Leddy hit back as extra time was needed to separate the sides.

Shotstopper Livingston continued his fine kicking as he booted over from a long range free much to the delight of the Breaffy contingent although the Deel Rovers fought back with Kobe Mc Donald, Conor Loftus and Niall Coggins all to the fore. 

However in the closing stages, James Minogue kicked the boys in blue into the lead. Fionan Duffy had a chance from a long range free to win it but his effort tailed wide. 

In a high-scoring competitive encounter, Breaffy sealed the deal as captain Mark Dervan accepted the David Gavin Cup much to the delight of all the Breaffy brigade. 

A full match report plus reaction from both teams will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of The Mayo News.