Penalty drama in Tuam as Mayo Under-20s clinch provincial final spot

Mayo ...... 0-11

Galway .... 1-8

(Mayo won 7-6 on penalties after extra time)

by Aiden Henry

MAYO got revenge for their 2020 Under 20 championship penalty shootout loss to Galway when they knocked the current Connaught and All-Ireland champions off their perch in Tuam Stadium tonight - again after a dramatic penalty shootout after the sides remained level after extra time.

In what was a very defensive opening half it was Galway who led by 0-3 to 0-2 at the interval.

It was much more open after the resumption and Mayo, after taking the lead in the 41st minute, looked as if they would go on and win in style as they were much the better side.

But despite creating the best goal chances Mayo had to settle for extra time after Galway drew level with two minutes of normal time remaining.

Galway got a tonic start to extra time when in the opening minute they were awarded a penalty after Tomo Culhane was adjudged to have been fouled in the Mayo goal area.

The opportunity was brilliantly converted from the spot to put the tribesman three in front.

But Mayo refused to bow to their opponents and hit back with two points to be just one behind at the end of the first period.

In the second period of extra time Mayo really dominated after team captain Jack Mahon levelled with a pointed free.

Despite several good chances, however, Mayo failed to add to their tally and were forced to rely on penalties to remain in the championship.

Jack Mahon, Connell Dempsey, Conor Flynn, Paddy Heneghan and Cian McHale were the five Mayo players nominated to take the penalties.

After the first five penalties it was four each and the tie was then decided by sudden death.

Mahon and Dempsey both found the net for a second time to leave it six each.

The Mayo goalkeeper Ronan Connolly denied Galway’s Tomo Culhane attempt which left Mayo’s Conor Flynn with the opportunity to win it for Mayo.

The Knockmore clubman made no mistake, and it was Mayo who qualified for the final which will be held next week against either Roscommon or Sligo.

Mayo: R. Connolly, S. Holmes, R. Keane, E. Gilraine, C. Flynn, R. Baynes, A. Cosgrove, C. Dunleavy, J. Carney (0-1), E. Henry, O. McHale, C. Dempsey (0-2), U. O’Reilly (0-1), F. Irwin (0-1), J. Mahon (0-4).

Subs used: D. Thornton (0-1), P. Heneghan (0-1), C. Reid, C. McHale.

Galway: C. Flaherty, J. McGrath, E. Geraghty, R. King, C. Hernon, T. Gill (0-1), D. Brady, C. Raftery, C. Gallagher (0-1), A. Greene, W. Seoige, R. Monahan (0-1), D. Cox, T. Culhane (0-3), M. Cooley (0-1).

Subs used: D. Kilcommins, J. McLaughlin, N. Grainger (1-1), A. Morris, C. Gallagher. O. Gormley.

Referee: J. Gilmartin (Sligo).