Westport look primed for assault on Connaught after historic county success
YOU always got the sense that it was a matter of when, not if, Westport would eventually capture that elusive Moclair Cup.
Following their brilliant All-Ireland title win in 2017, many expected them to kick on quickly and add a maiden Mayo senior title. But football, like life, isn’t always that simple.
Beaten by Breaffy in the quarterfinals in 2018 and semi-finals in 2020, as well as a disappointing display against Belmullet in last year’s semi-final, making the breakthrough is never easy.
Expectations were high around the county that this year they would finally win their first ever title and expectations rose following ruthless displays over The Neale and Ballintubber.
As well as their ability, they answered questions over their strength of character following a narrow win over Garrymore in the quarterfinals and then those dramatics against Castlebar Mitchels in the semi-final.
Ballina Stephenites awaited them in the final, a team who have more Moclair Cups (36) than anyone else. A club who has been there, done it and won everything. A club that Westport aspire to emulate.
The north Mayo giants, like Garrymore and Mitchels, asked big questions also but Westport had the answers once more and the celebrations that followed in the west Mayo town will live long in the memory.
No doubt they enjoyed it but now the dust has settled, all eyes will be at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park once again this Sunday as Galway champions Moycullen arrive into Castlebar and look to ensure Westport’s incredible journey goes no further.
They too have enjoyed historic success in recent years. They won their maiden senior title in 2020 and now have won another one, something Westport will be hoping to do in the near future. The senior provincial championships are a different kettle of fish, however.
It’s the first time for both (provincials were not played in 2020 due to Covid) and as evidenced by Ballintubber and Knockmore, winning county titles in Mayo is one thing. Winning Connaught is another.
But if Westport play to their potential, you wouldn’t rule out another memorable run like 2017.