Knockmore shock Carnacon to win Mayo ladies senior championship

Knockmore have knocked Carnacon off the pedestal of Mayo ladies club football.

The central Mayo team had a chance to win their 23rd county senior final in a row today at James Stephens Park, Ballina, but came up against an inspired Knockmore side, who won on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-7.

Captain Shauna Howley led by example, scoring nine points in total, while the goal that sealed the deal came from the boot of substitute Lara Sweeney in the final quarter, her shot finding the back of the net off the hands of Carnacon 'keeper Michelle Corbett, who made a desperate attempt to keep it out.

Martha Carter, Fiona McHale and Cora Staunton tried their best to inspire Carnacon but it wasn't to be their day, and it turned into one to forget for Staunton who spent 10 minutes in the sin bin either side of half-time and was sent off on a second yellow late in the game after one protest too many for referee Mel Kenny's liking.

Nothing could take away from Knockmore's victory, however, as a young team came of age on the big stage.

Earlier in the day at James Stephens Park, Castlebar Mitchels proved too strong for Louisburgh in the intermediate final, winning on a scoreline of 2-20 to 1-5, while Davitts overcame the challenge of St. Brigid's in the junior decider with a 4-6 to 2-8 victory.

*Read more about all three finals in the print edition of The Connaught Telegraph on Tuesday