Castlebar Town crowned Mayo women's league champions

Castlebar Town captured the Mayo Women’s Premier Division title on Friday night following a 2-0 victory against Manulla, at Moneen.

The hosts very nearly snatched an early lead during the opening minute of the tie, but Cliodhna Dowling saw her effort thwarted by Lisa Nally.

The opening half was keenly contested and the visitors almost snatched the advantage on 19 minutes, when some good perseverance from Ella Vahey saw the winger bustle her way towards goal but the advancing Kira Bright gathered possession inside the 18 yard box.

Castlebar almost scored a spectacular goal on 27 minutes, when Leah Conway’s dipping drive flew narrowly over Nally’s crossbar.

The sides were scoreless at the interval, but six minutes into the new half the Town pinched the lead. Louise Dowling threaded a delightful through ball to release Cliodhna Dowling and the latter tucked away a tidy finish, despite the best efforts of the retreating Manulla centre-back Stacey Freyne.

On 54 minutes, the black and white doubled their lead courtesy of another superb finish by Cliodhna Dowling, this time a marvellous effort from outside the box, with Louise Dowling once again providing the assist.

The blue and white could well have set up a grandstand finish to the game had they pegged a goal back on 64 minutes, but Niamh Flannery’s long-range effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by the alert Kira Bright.

Castlebar very nearly added a third goal towards the end of the game, however, Sarah King’s drive was expertly saved by Nally.

The full-time whistle signalled great celebrations for the Castlebar Town players, management and supporters.

KILMORE TAKE DIVISION 1 CROWN

Meanwhile, down the road in Killala, two goals from Annie Lynskey secured the win for Kilmore as they were crowned Division 1 champions.

It took an hour to break the deadlock, with Lynskey putting the visitors 1-0 up from the penalty spot.

Alva Munnelly responded on 72 minutes for Killala, but a high ball in from Lynskey deceived the 'keeper 10 minutes later as she earned her side a 2-1 win and the title.