All the makings of a classic Mayo LGFA senior final

The Mayo LGFA senior championship final has the makings of a classic as Westport and Knockmore meet today (Sunday, 2 p.m.) at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, in what is a repeat of last year’s final, writes Patrick Hennelly.

Westport won their first ever senior title last year and are trying to achieve historic back-to-back titles. However, standing in their way are a seasoned Knockmore side eager to atone for last year’s heartbreaking loss.

There has been a healthy rivalry between the clubs in recent years, with Knockmore defeating Westport in the 2023 senior final, so there will be added spice to this upcoming battle for supremacy.

Westport manager Pop Geraghty said that the mood in his camp is good ahead of the big day at Mayo GAA headquarters.

“The mood in the camp is very good and we have a lot of hard work done during this championship campaign. The players are looking forward to the game and they are embracing the occasion. This is our third final in a row but Knockmore also have plenty of big-game experience.”

Geraghty is pleased with the strength in depth of his panel. “Probably the most pleasing aspect of this campaign so far has been the flexibility within the squad,” he emphasised. “A lot of our players got some game time in the group campaign as we had to contend with some injuries. However, the players that stepped in really pushed on and adapted very well to the situation. Overall, I was happy enough with the group campaign.”

Despite targeting back-to-back senior titles, Geraghty said there is no added pressure and that it is a privilege to be involved at the business end of the championship.

“It’s a privilege to have a bit of pressure at this time of year and to be preparing for a county final. Knockmore are a superb team, and they are well coached.

“We have enjoyed recent success at underage level, and it is great that we are now in a county final and can showcase that talent to our supporters.

“There is a great buzz in the town at the minute and there is a real community effort supporting this team. It will be great for these players to play a major final in MacHale Park and we are all looking forward to the occasion.”

Geraghty is also pleased to report a clean bill of health for his panel ahead of the game.

“Ava Lambert was injured but thankfully has returned to play. We have a clean bill of health going into this game and that is positive news. It will be difficult picking our starting 15, but that is a nice situation to be in.”

A fascinating contest lies in store as both of these teams are evenly matched in some key areas of the park. Westport finally won a coveted senior title last year and that experience will serve them well, and backed it up with a convincing win over Knockmore in this year's league final back in August.

However, Knockmore also bring a wealth of experience into this game, and have plenty of talented footballers sprinkled across their team.

This game could go down to the wire and extra-time may be required to determine a winner. The verdict goes to Westport to prevail by two to three points.