Gutsy Gaels eliminate junior favourites in extra time thriller
Burrishoole came from 14 points down to claim the lead late on but Eastern Gaels rallied in extra time and recorded a famous win in Newport
Junior Championship Quarter Final
Eastern Gaels 5-13
Burrishoole 1-24
(After Extra Time)
In Newport
Goals win games! On Sunday afternoon, the men from Brickens came to McGovern Park in Newport and overturned the hosts who were seen as heavy favourites among many to go all the way in the junior championship.
Extra time was needed to separate these two sides as a classic was played out on a day where sun, wind and rain all featured.
Burrishoole defenders Gary Wallace and Colin Guilfoyle both received black cards in the opening half as the visitors were awarded two penalty kicks. Michael McGarry converted the two and the Gaels were in dreamland when former Mayo Minor, Dara Flanagan converted the third goal of the game with 23 minutes played.
With a difficult cross-wind present, Burrishoole struggled early on as Eastern Gales led remarkably by 14 points at the changeover. Half time in Newport saw the visitors go in leading 3-9 to Burrishoole’s 0-4.
The second half saw Liam O’Malley’s men come back into it as Fintan McManamon inspired the hosts. He kicked 1-6 in the second half with the goal coming 47 in. The hard-working Patrick Chambers was prominent for the West Mayo men as the Gaels struggled to maintain possession.
Burrishoole substitutes Ciaran and James McManamon brought energy to the play and through the excellent Fintan McManamon, the sides were level with the hour up. Team captain Colin Guilfoyle then amazingly kicked the hosts into the lead from a mark and the home contingent in McGovern Park was buzzing.
However, in the fourth minute of injury time, Eastern Gaels found their only score of the second half through a Connor Grogan free and the sides finished level. Burrishoole, 1-16, Eastern Gaels 3-10.
As extra time got underway, Burrishoole took the lead through a Fintan McManamon two pointer. Down the other end, the pacey Connor Grogan found the net while moments later, the Mayo Minor captain of 2024 struck to the net again as the Gaels regained the lead.
From there, last year’s junior finalists never looked back as Hession kicked an excellent two pointer while Burrishoole’s wides ultimately cost them.
A full match report will be carried in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.