Memorable evening in Cong for The Neale

The stand-out result on the opening weekend of the Gaelic football club championships in Mayo was undoubtedly The Neale's victory over Garrymore.

In their first ever senior championship outing, The Neale carved out a one-point win in their Group 1 encounter against their south Mayo rivals, the game ending 1-9 to 0-11 in their favour in Cong.

It leaves them with a fighting chance of getting out of the group and reaching the quarterfinals at the first time of asking.

In the second game in Group 1, Ballaghaderreen recovered from the concession of two first-half penalties to run out convincing 3-11 to 2-4 winners at home to Belmullet, last year's surprise package in the senior race.

Elsewhere, champions Ballintubber were held at home to Aghamore who pounced for a late goal to make it honours even at the full-time whistle. The result was Ballintubber 0-7, Aghamore 1-4.

There was stalemate in Ballindine too where Davitts and Moy Davitts played out a hard-fought draw, the game ending 0-9 apiece. It means Group 2 is still wide open, with next weekend's games taking on extra significance.

There was one other senior championship game this evening as Charlestown entertained Castlebar Mitchels, the visitors emerging with a 1-13 to 1-9 win in Group 4.

In the intermediate championship, two games were played in Group 4 where Crossmolina Deel Rovers earned a two-point win in Ballyhaunis (0-10 to 0-8) and Ballinrobe laid down a marker with a convincing 0-16 to 0-9 victory away to Lahardane.

In Group 3, Balla took the honours in their derby game against Islandeady, winning by 2-8 to 0-11.

There were three games played in the junior championship this evening also. Ballycroy and Kilmeena have taken command of Group 2 with big victories over Lacken and Killala respectively, while Ardagh were convincing winners against Kilmovee in Group 1, the game finishing on a 2-15 to 0-7 scoreline.