All eyes at Bekan with big Mayo LGFA finals down for decision

MAYO ladies football takes centre stage this weekend at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan with a plethora of county finals to whet the appetite.

None are bigger than the senior final this Sunday (October 16), when Knockmore look to retain their senior title when then take on Burrishoole, who are appearing in their first senior ladies final.

It’s been an incredible run for the ladies from McGovern Park over the past two years. Following the appointment two years ago of former Mayo footballer Colm McManamon, this Burrishoole side have gone from strength to strength and captain Sarah Baynes says Colm and his management team have pushed them on to the next level.

“He’s been massive. When he took over two years ago, we were a senior team at the time, but we were just about keeping ourselves up, playing in relegation (playoffs). But they’ve really pushed on with our fitness and physicality.

“They have a lot of experience in the men’s game, and they have brought that experience to us and treat us with the same level of respect and expectation. It’s really helped us pushed on.”

Not that Sarah isn’t used to a high-performance environment. Along with her teammate and sister Sarah, they have played for Ireland at underage level in soccer. They were also involved with Castlebar Celtic when they played in the Women’s National League, with team-mates including Sarah Rowe and Aileen Gilroy who went on to enjoy much success with the Mayo ladies senior football team.

Now both will be hoping to use their own experiences to guide to Burrishoole to a maiden senior title. Expectations were high in the camp but were on the receiving end of a heavy 5-9 to 0-10 defeat to Carnacon in their opening group game.

When it was put to Sarah that the result may have been a good thing in the long run: she offered: “We had a few new girls in the squad. We got on well in the league but we kind of forgot what kind of intensity is needed at championship level. That first game in Carnacon, they really taught us a lesson in championship football about the tempo it needed to be played at. They hit us with goals and really opened us up. We’ve tightened it up since, worked on defence. It taught us a lot.”

The learned quickly and followed up with big victories in their other group games against Moy Davitts and Hollymount before producing a brilliant performance to stun Westport in the semi-final.

“It was an unbelievable feeling. We were so focused on the game itself that we didn’t even let ourselves think about the outcome after it. It was relief at the end. They really came at us at the end and just about managed to keep them out in the end.

“We knew going into the game, they were probably favourites for the championship, but they had a lot of strong, younger players. They run from deep, are powerful and have a big goal threat. Our aim was to keep it tight at the back and not let them in for goals and that’s what we did.”

Looking ahead to the final, the Burrishoole captain knows it will be a battle but is full of belief her side can make history.

“We know the task that’s ahead of us and Knockmore are defending county champions. They have the experience, from one to 15, and a good mixture of youth and experience. Possibly, the increase in county players might help them but we’re excited and looking forward to the game. If we show up at our full potential, we’ll keep with them and have a good battle.”

DOING IT AGAIN

For the champions, the question hanging over Knockmore is whether last year’s ending of Carnacon’s 22-year reign was a one-off or the beginning of something special. It is a question that has driven Knockmore on once again, says Katie Munnelly.

“We were knocking on the door for a couple of years and last year was the year we broke through. We’re delighted to be in this position again,” said Munnelly. “Throughout the year, there was a bit of ‘Was it a fluke? Was it a one-hit wonder?’ This has been the talk throughout the year but that’s what has given us the fire to get back to the county final.

“There was a lot of talk of ‘Oh, it was Covid’ and other excuses. I think it drove us on even more. Our half-time team talk during the semi-final against Carnacon in Clogher, that’s one of the things said in our huddle. Let’s just not this be a fluke and drive on.”

Any belief their win over Carnacon last year was a fluke were answered as early as two weeks ago when Knockmore beat them once more, this time in their own backyard.

Carnacon threw the proverbial kitchen sink at them but following a missed penalty, Knockmore kicked on once again to book their place in the final.

While players like county star Shauna Howley get a lot of the headlines, Munnelly believes the emergence of several young players like Emily and Hannah Reape have given Knockmore another ‘10 or 20 per cent’.

“The Reapes, Siofragh Kelly at corner back, Ciara Durkan is only 16...that’s what has brought us far this year. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without them stepping up.”

Munnelly admits the pressure in on them and will be favourites going into this final against Burrishoole, but they are ready for battle

“Being underdogs was favourable for us last year. We do know there is a huge battle ahead of us. Burrishoole aren’t here by accident. They deserve their place. It’s going to be a physical battle. There is some seriously experienced girls on that team that know how to win a match. We’re preparing for a battle.”

The bumper action begins this evening (Friday) with the junior B championship cup final between Kilmeena and Tourmakeady (throw-in 8 p.m.), which follows the shield between Claremorris B and Carnacon B (throw-in 6.30 p.m.).

The remaining shield finals are tomorrow (Saturday), the action beginning at 12 noon between Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin and The Neale (junior A), Davitts v Kilmoremoy (intermediate, 2 p.m.) and Castlebar Mitchels v Hollymount (senior, 4 p.m.).

The cup finals conclude the weekend on Sunday, with the junior A final between Aghamore and Ballyhaunis (12 noon), Louisburgh and Charlestown (intermediate, 2 p.m.) and Burrishoole v Knockmore (senior, 4 p.m.). All finals are ticket only.