Two Bourke goals seal Mayo minor glory for Knockmore
Knockmore .............3-7
Castlebar Mitchels... 1-9
KNOCKMORE were crowned Mayo minor A champions following their deserved victory over Castlebar Mitchels in the final played in Ballina today.
This latest win for Knockmore means they are now the holders of the Mayo Division 1 league and championship titles.
Although Castlebar raced into an early two-point lead, once Knockmore settled into their stride they began to dominate all over the field.
After just six minutes they had turned the two-point deficit into a one-point lead after Charlie Bourke struck a goal after been set-up by the towering and brilliant full-forward Caolan Hopkins.
However, after points were exchanged, the Mitchels were thrown a lifeline when awarded a penalty after Bourke was pulled down in the big square.
From the resulting spot kick Emmett Murphy brilliantly buried a low drive in the right corner of the net.
But Knockmore hit back with three unanswered points to level matters with 22 minutes gone on the clock.
Each side registered a point each before Knockmore brought the half to a close by scoring a second goal.
It arrived in the 30th minute when Hopkins slammed the ball to the net after a pass from Fergal Keane. This left the north Mayo side leading by 2-5 to 15 at the break.
Within 60 seconds of the resumption Castlebar had reduced the deficit following a wonderful point from Paul Walsh.
However, as things transpired, this was as close as they would get.
Four minutes later they were left with a mountain to climb after Knockmore scored a third goal.
It came after great work by man-of-the-match Liam Durkan and Connell Dempsey set up Charlie Bourke to score his second goal of the afternoon.
Although the game went 14 minutes without a score a delightful point from Hopkins in the 49th minute put Knockmore six points clear and sealed their magnificent victory.
Knockmore: B. McMahon, D. Brogan, K. Ormsby, R. Melvin, M. Holmes, S. Holmes, R. Herbert, A. Naughton, C. Flynn (0-1), D. Melvin, C. Dempsey (0-2), L. Durkin (0-1), C. Bourke (2-2), C. Hopkins (1-1), F. Keane.
Sub used: M. McMahin.
Castlebar: C. McHale, D. Tighe, R. Stakelum, J. Tuohy, J. Cunningham, E. McHale, D. McHugh, U. O'Reilly, M. Fahy, T. Waldron, P. Heneghan (0-2), E. Murphy (1-1), P. Walsh (0-2), D. Felle, C. Mylett (0-2).
Subs used: E. Hughes, S. Hestor.
Referee: G. MacMahon (Davitts).