Early and late goals help a slick Achill outfit ease past Moygownagh in junior B decider

The scoring exploits of Brian Lavelle helped propel Achill to a historic TF Royal Hotel JFC B title this afternoon as they beat Moygownagh by double scores – 2-12 to 1-6 – in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, writes Patrick Hennelly.

Achill made a whirlwind start and plundered a goal seconds after the throw-in courtesy of Sean Lively McNamara after he latched on to a precise pass from John Joyce.

A brace of points from Moygownagh’s Alan Gallagher and Oisin Carolan (free) helped steady the ship for the north Mayo men, although Achill were given a gilt-edged opportunity to extend their lead towards the end of the opening quarter when they were awarded a spot kick. However, Eddie Doran’s penalty was saved by Patrick Patten.

The Islanders finished the half strongly though, tagging on further points from Eddie Doran and the industrious Brian Lavelle to help them into a 1-5 to 0-3 interval lead.

Moygownagh’s veteran full-forward Garry Carey breathed life into his team-mates' cause when he snatched a fortuitous goal on 35 minutes.

However, despite kicking numerous wides during the second period, Achill always seemed to keep Moygownagh at arm’s length and a brace of points from man of the match Brian Lavelle on 42 and 43 minutes helped open a crucial four-point cushion for the leaders, 1-8 to 1-4.

Try as they might, there was no way back for a gallant Moygownagh and a late goal from Achill’s Lavelle helped seal the deal for the west Mayo men.

Moygownagh’s day went from bad to worse during the dying embers of the tie when substitute Loran Finnerty picked up a black card. The damage had been done by that stage, however.

Achill: K. McGinty; C. Dever, S. Grealis, C. McCarthy; E. Doran (0-1), E. Doran, F. Gallagher; C. English, E. Murphy (0-1); S.L. McNamara (1-1), P. Gallagher (0-1), J. Joyce (0-3, 1f); B. Lavelle (1-4, 1f), S. Dever, J. O’Hara.

Subs used: M.D. Sweeney (0-1), C. Boylan, M. English, F. Mangan.

Moygownagh: P. Patten; K. Regan, O. Birrane, S. Dolan; J. McDonnell (0-1), K. Murray, M. Davis; B. Egan, B. Gaughan; C. Blehein, O. Gallagher, D. McDonnell; O. Carolan (0-1f), G. Carey (1-0), A. Gallagher (0-4, 2f).

Subs used: L. Finnerty, S. McKinley, L. Heffron.

Referee: A. Tuffy.