Ballinrobe advance, Lahardane head for play-off after Mayo intermediate draw

Ballinrobe secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Mayo Intermediate Championship after a 1-9 to 0-12 draw with Lahardane MacHales at St Brendan’s Park, Kilmeena.

The result, however, leaves the north Mayo men facing a relegation play-off.

With the strong wind at their backs, Ballinrobe dominated the first half. Evan O’Brien and Kevin Quinn were early on target before a well-worked move saw Diarmuid Duffy finish to the net.

Conor O’Brien clipped two points to extend their advantage and at the break they looked comfortable, 1-8 to 0-1 ahead.

But Lahardane turned the game on its head after the restart. Inspired by Shane Finnerty’s accuracy from placed balls and a fine two-pointer from Mark Sheerin.

Eddie Conroy’s side hit seven points without reply in a blistering nine-minute spell. James Maughan also found from range as the deficit was cut to three.

Ballinrobe mustered just a single second-half score, a Luke Jennings 45, but it proved decisive as Finnerty’s late free only secured parity.

Ballinrobe march on to the last eight in second place, while Lahardane are left to regroup ahead of a relegation decider against Burrishoole.