Top Mayo GAA club building momentum under new manager

by Maggie Chambers

CASTLEBAR Mitchels have emerged victorious in a tightly contested top-of-the-table Mayo Senior League match against Breaffy, winning by 1-18 to 1-15.

Both sides entered the game unbeaten, and the encounter showcased the quality of each team, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the hour.

In the end, it was a late surge from the visitors that proved the difference, securing the win and moving them to the top of the league table.

Mitchels made a blistering start, racing into a three-point lead in the opening minute. Cian Walsh opened the scoring with a superb two-pointer before Ruairi Burke raised the white flag.

However, Breaffy responded quickly and got on level terms through scores from Yousif Coghill and Jack Livingstone with a two-pointer from a free. Livingstone would go on to be Breaffy’s top scorer on the night, showing consistency from dead-ball situations.

The early stages were end-to-end, with Ethan Gibbons converting a two-pointer from a free in the seventh minute, quickly followed by a point from Gavin Forry. Both teams were attacking in numbers, and the points kept on coming.

This time singles from Pierce Deane (free) and Conor O’Shea to keep Sean Deane’s side in touch. Momentum never stayed with one side for long. Castlebar pressed forward, as Paddy Heneghan and Ethan Gibbons kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Ultan O’Reilly worked hard for Castlebar, tracking back to defend while also supporting attacks.

However, Breaffy remained dangerous, with Jack Livingstone’s two-pointer from a free and a point from Pierce Deane levelling the game in the 18th minute.

Conor Beirne was a constant attacking threat for Breaffy, frequently joining the offense from his corner-back position. Both teams pushed relentlessly, with Ultan O’Reilly and Joe Mellett exchanging scores as the contest intensified.

The hosts found a breakthrough on 23 minutes. Conor O’Shea, a constant threat at full forward, latched onto a long delivery, turned his marker, and buried the ball into the net, giving Breaffy a significant boost. However, Castlebar responded well.

Ethan Gibbons and Joe Mellett exchanged frees before Gibbons added a single and another two-pointer to level the game, 1-10 to 0-13 at the interval.

The second half was a cagier affair, with scores harder to come by. Rory Martyn nudged Breaffy in front early on with a two-pointer, but Castlebar quickly responded with points from Gibbons and Conor Stenson.

Both defences were forcing turnovers and quickly transitioning into attack. Yousif Coghill stood out as a key performer for the hosts, influencing the game with his sharp play.

As the match entered its final quarter, both teams introduced fresh legs, and the changes had immediate impacts.

Ben Murphy pointed for Breaffy after a brilliant run from Conor Beirne, but Castlebar began to seize control. Gavin Forry added two vital points and Calum Filan added another as the guests pressed high.

Then came the defining moment of the match. With 53 minutes gone, Cian Walsh picked up the ball and drove straight at the heart of the Breaffy defence.

His surging solo run was capped off with a clinical finish to the back of the net, giving Castlebar a crucial five-point lead.

Breaffy tried to rally and Jack Livingstone kicked another two-pointer late on, but they couldn’t find the goal they needed. Castlebar’s defence stood firm in the final minutes with John MacMonagle and Brian McDonnell working hard, ensuring they left with the win and top spot in the league under their new management team, headed by Kevin Finan.

Castlebar Mitchels: R. Byrne, B. McDonnell, M. Dolan, J. Maughan; R Burke (0-1), J. MacMonagle, J. O’Reilly, S. Cunningham, P. Heneghan (0-1), A. O’Boyle, U. O’Reilly (0-1), G. Forry (0-3 1f), C Walsh (1-2), C. Stenson (0-1), E. Gibbons (0-8 2 2pfs, 2fs).

Subs used: M. Cunningham, F. Durcan, C. Filan (0-1), J. Kennedy.

Breaffy: J. Livingstone (0-6, 3 2tpfs), C. Melly, M. Dervan, C. Beirne, Y. Coghill (0-1), R. Fadden, D. Morrin, N. Carter, O. Tunney, P. McDermott, P. Deane (0-2, 1f), O. Costello, J. Mellett (0-2, 1f), C. O’Shea (1-1), R. Martyn (0-2 1tp).

Subs used: J. Deane, B. Murphy (0-1), M. Ward.

Referee: K. Connelly (Hollymount/Carramore).