CJ O'Hara helps propel Ballyglass to victory in Mayo Shield decider

A FOUR goal haul from Christopher John O’Hara during the first half helped Ballyglass record an astonishing 8-1 victory against Achill Rovers in the Under-17 Shield Final on Saturday.

Ballyglass blitzed their opponents during the opening 12 minutes of the joust, with a brace of goals from Christopher John O’Hara and an audacious long-range goal of the season contender from Benjamin Killeen, leaving Rovers shell-shocked and trailing 3-0.

Achill tried their utmost to get back into the tie and their loyal band of supporters were given a glimmer of hope on 30 minutes, when Harry Callaghan pulled a goal back for the yellow and blue.

However, the ‘Candystripes’ responded in devastating fashion as O’Hara recorded his hat-trick on 39 minutes, before his team-mate and captain Killeen, rustled the back of the net on 41 minutes.

The leaders then ended the game as a contest, with O’Hara’s fourth goal ensuring an unassailable 6-1 half-time lead for the red and white.

Ballyglass were eager to add further goals during the second period and a route-one delivery from their custodian, Muiris Vahey, found Ryan Duggan and the latter applied a clinical finish beyond the reach of the Rovers custodian.

Duggan then had a chance to add his second goal on 69 minutes after he was awarded a spot-kick after being fouled inside the area. However, Duggan’s self-won penalty was brilliantly saved by the Achill ‘keeper, Liam Gallagher.

Just before full-time, Ballyglass added their eighth and final goal of the game courtesy of the industrious Duggan, which helped round off what was an impressive display by the red and white at Milebush Park.