Kilmeena tear up the form book to beat Westport and seal senior status

Huge Mayo championship shock as Kilmeena defeat Westport

MAYO SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Kilmeena 2-15

In Castlebar

KILMEENA have enjoyed many famous victories in recent years, but today’s win over nearest neighbours Westport ranks among the greatest of all. It was Kilmeena’s first senior championship win and it secured their status in the top tier for the 2027 season.

The result wasn’t enough to propel them into the quarter-finals, but the men from St Brendan’s Park will be more than happy with the way things worked out in Munnelly Park this afternoon.

Westport, on the other hand, will be very disappointed with the result and their display, It was their second defeat on the spin and they only sneaked into the last-eight on scoring difference. They must now gather themselves and reset if they’re to make an impact in the race for the Moclair Cup.

Kilmeena will wonder what could have been, after an outstanding battling display. Crucially however, they finished third in the group, sending Charlestown to the relegation semi-finals, and avoiding the dogfight themselves in the process.

A chaotic game ended in a chaotic fashion, as Westport players eagerly awaited the result from the Charlestown and Claremorris clash after the final whistle in their own game. To their relief, Claremorris had edged past the East Mayo men by three points, to see Westport advance.

Backed by the wind in the opening half, last year’s championship finalists led 1-7 to 0-6 at the break, with Finbar McLaughlin looking impressive as he kicked some impressive scores in the opening 30 minutes.

Led by their Sam Maguire winner, Jack Carney, Damien Egan’s side turned the game on its head in the second half, as they secured senior championship status for 2027.

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