Charlestown create history in a thrilling finale

Mixed day for Mayo clubs in provincial series

TYNAN'S TAKE

YOU can only imagine what was going on in the minds of everyone connected to the Charlestown ladies as the second half ticked away.

Six points ahead at half-time (with the winds at their back) and when Deirdre Doherty fired over Charlestown’s first score of the second half, maybe you could start to dream.

They were outstanding in that first half, the best half of championship football they have played this year.

Doherty kicked 1-5 in that half but from one to 15 they all played their part, with Julia Gawalkiewicz, Nora McGovern, Heather Johnson, Ella Brennan, Elaine O’Donnell and CailÍn Durkan the standouts alongside their scorer-in-chief.

It was a performance full of composure, as Kiltubrid struggled to deal with the occasion. As one of the media men alongside me rightly observed: “Charlestown are playing the game, Kiltubrid are playing the final.”

Understandably, as you get closer to the promised land, you start to think about it. The roles now reversed, Kiltubrid took the game to Charlestown in the second half.

Aided by the strong wind and their own sharpshooter Michelle Guckian seemingly hellbent on winning the final on her won, she nailed three nerveless frees and one from play to level it all up with the clock ticking away and you’d think there was only one winner at this stage.

But Charlestown have been here before.

They needed a late winner to win the county title against Louisburgh and history repeated itself here at St. Eunan’s. Charlestown patiently waited for a moment to break through a packed Kiltubrid defence, all now back to ensure either extra-time or their own winner.

Kiltubrid blinked and conceded a free which fell to Doherty. She’d kicked the winner against Louisburgh in Bekan to see Charlestown over the line. A bit closer this time around but the against the wind, as soon as it left her boot it was going nowhere but between the posts.

Seconds later, it was all over. Euphoria. Relief.

Every possible emotion came out on the pitch and the large travelling contingent around the ground.

Their greatest day. So far.

The Munster champions now await them for a place at Croker in the decider on Saturday, December 10. You never know.

HOLD HEADS HIGH

THERE is no shame for Burrishoole following their defeat to Kilkerrin/Clonberne in the Connacht ladies senior final.

It was always going to be a tall order against the best club side in the ladies game today. By all accounts, they gave as good as they got and frustrated the Galway champions for long periods. Eventually, the class of Chloe Miskell and Lyndsay and Eva Noone came to the fore. Nothing should take away from what has been a historic year for Burrishoole and this is a experience they will learn.

Same goes for Westport, who came up short against Moycullen. It was close for much of the first half but Moycullen’s first goal shortly before half-time was a real blow. Once they got their second, there was no real way back for Westport.

Like Burrishoole, Westport will learn a lot from the experience. They have broken down the barrier that was the Mayo senior championship for the first time and will be a force here for some time to come.

WORLD CUP CONTROVERSY

ALL domestic football is now on hold until Christmas as the World Cup begins in Qatar this Sunday.

To say it’s controversial would be putting it extremely mildly. Concerns over the hosts’s stance on LGBTQ issues, bribery allegations, migrant worker conditions and FIFA corruption are among the main issues.

FIFA then penning an open letter to ‘focus on football’ was dangerously arrogant or utter stupidity. Or both.

That’s before having the tournament for the first time mid-season although that’s more understandable given the climate in the summer.

Several players have made their feelings clear on the matter, with Man United duo Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen the latest to make their feelings known on the matter.

I hope more players speak up as the tournament goes on. Frankly, I can’t wait until it’s over, words I’d never imagine saying ahead of a World Cup.