Fiona McHale, Mayo, scores her third goal despite the efforts of Galway goalkeeper Lisa Murphy in the Boird Gais Energy national Football Division 2 final on SaturdayAFTER years of turmoil in Mayo Ladies GAA, it was a return to the glory day’s on Saturday when they defeated neighbours and arch rivals Galway to win division two of the national league in Parnell Park, Dublin.

The bigger prize on offer for the two Connaught teams in this decider was the winners would get promoted to the flight for next season.

With off the field matters having been resolved at the end of the year there was the new hope Mayo senior team could be a force in ladies Gaelic football again.

Under the new management of Fr. Michael Murphy and Jimmy Corbett, the senior team have been steadily growing in statue and they reached new heights on Saturday by handing Galway a massive 16-point beating.

With a mixture of youth and experience in the team they gave an exhibition of football which had only been matched during their glory years at the turn of the century.

They have come a long way in a short space of time and now seem to be gelling into a top class side.

 

What made their victory all the sweeter was it was achieved by a brilliant all round team performance. They bettered their opponents in every sector of the field and even when playing with 14 players still outclassed Galway.

But for one of the old stars of Mayo ladies football, Cora Staunton, this was another special day as she gave an exhibition of score taking which many bewildered especially those in the Galway camp.

It seems a lifetime since Cora first started to notch up huge scores in a game. Yet on Saturday she demonstrated why she is still the best forward in the country by ending the game with a personal tally of 2-11.

Named player of the match, she accepted this accolade without any fuss and was only thrilled to be part of a team which was now able to compete with the best.

She said: “Today was a great day for Mayo ladies  football. After years of been in the doldrums to matters off the field it was great to be back playing on the big stage with a Mayo team.

“During of the turmoil this was all we ever wanted and now we have it. It is onwards and upwards for us now and with the great management team led by Fr. Michael and Jimmy and the full backing of the county board, we are now back enjoying our football with Mayo again.

“What was very important today was the exceptional contribution by our new players. They were fantastic and with all the underage teams (our minors won the Connaught final last week) going strongly we can now look forward to the future with plenty of hope of success.”

Joint team manager Fr. Michael Murphy was a delighted man at the final whistle and was loud in his praise of all his players.

“They were simply awesome out there to day and after getting off to a bad start they took control once they settled.

“They have worked very hard and deserve their reward. Hopefully we can go on from here.

“Our next competitive action will be against Galway in the Connaught final on July 8. While we had a big win over them today it will matter little when the teams take the field in Elverys McHale Park. Galway will be a different  side and we will have to show further improvement.

“But for the moment let’s celebrate this marvellous win as it is nothing more than the girl’s deserve.”

There was a double celebration for Mayo ladies football over the weekend as on Sunday in Charlestown the county Under 14 team gave a five-star performance before beating Roscommon in the Connaught championship final. Again like the senior team it was a victory achieved by a fine all round team performance.

A national league title and two Connaught titles in the space of eight day’s is evidence enough that Mayo ladies football is rolling again.

Full Report Here