Mayo hurlers cruise into All-Ireland final at sunny Castlebar

Mayo ......1-32

Sligo . . ....1-17

MAYO senior hurlers have booked their place in the All-Ireland Nicky Rackard Cup championship following their 15-point victory over Sligo in Hastings Insurance McHale Park, Castlebar, this afternoon.

Although there is still a round to be played in the group stages, Mayo place in the June Bank Holiday weekend decider in Croke Park, was confirmed by this, their fifth win in as many games.

Once again, this was another polished display by Ray Larkin side.

Their final tally of 1-32 in this game was evidence enough of the quality of their performance.

Overall, it was a rip-roaring tie where the attendance were treated to some delightful point taking by both sides. The face that a total of 2-49 was scored between them, more than kept the umpires busy throughout.

In an opening half where there was a total of 30 points scored, Mayo’s attack were on fire from the moment that Cormac Phillips opened their account in the first minute.

Along with Phillips, 10 other Mayo players registered points in this half, including two from goalkeeper Bobby Douglas.

But Sligo kept touch throughout the first 35 minutes by scoring 12 points of their own, with six coming from their sharpshooter Andrew Kilcullen.

Yet, it was Mayo who went in at the break holding a comfortable lead, 0-18 to 0-12.

On the resumption, scores were exchanged on numerous occasions before extended their advantage to nine points by the end of the third quarter.

However, the visitors received a sever blow in the 53rd minute when they had their full-forward sent off.

Two minutes later it was game, set and match to Mayo after John Heraty crashed home a goal.

Although Sligo kept battling away despite down to 14 players, Mayo kept the scoreboard ticking away to run out the easy winners in the end and claim their place in the final.

Mayo: B. Doughlas (0-2), R. Duffy (0-3), O. Greally, C. Murray, E. Collins (0-1), S. Thomas (0-1), D. Kenny, D. Huane (0-2), J. Heraty (1-1), L. Lavin (0-4), C. Phillips (0-3), K. McDermott, S. Boland (0-9), E. Delaney (0-3), J. Coyne (0-2).

Subs used: J. Burke, S. Kenny, M. Phillipos, M. Farrell (0-1), J. Trench.

Sligo: L. Comerford, D. Cawley, K. O’Kennedy, F. Connolly, R. McHugh (0-1), P. O’Leary (0-2), D. Flynn (0-1), G. O’Kelly/Lynch (0-1), E. O’Donoghue (0-2), A. Kilcullen (0-8), C. Griffin (0-2), T. Cawley.

Subs used: P. O’Brien, T. O’Kelly/Lynch, R. O’Kelly/Lynch (1-0), R. Molloy, D. Rolstan.

Referee: M. Redmond (Kildare)