Mayo bow out of Oscar Traynor Cup

Mayo bowed out of the 2025/26 Oscar Traynor Cup on Sunday evening after a 2-0 defeat to Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park, writes John Corless.

The structure of this year’s competition meant only the group winners would progress, leaving Mayo in a difficult position after drawing their first game with Sligo/Leitrim.

Galway had beaten Roscommon in their opener and carried that momentum into this fixture.

The match turned against Mayo midway through the first half when a Galway corner wasn’t properly dealt with and former Galway United striker, Enda Curran, nudged the ball over the line.

Although Mayo created a handful of chances through Jordan Loftus, P.J. Gilmartin, Luke Kelly and Connor McCarthy, they struggled to find any rhythm or sustained pressure.

Galway were stronger physically and tactically, and continued to dominate after the break. Their second goal arrived on 76 minutes when Colm Whelan delivered a cross from the left and substitute Donnacha McNamara finished neatly to secure the points.

Tom Kidd stood out in midfield for the home side and Cathal Coyne, who lined out for Mayo in this fixture last season, was solid in defence.

Mayo had a few positives, including a strong showing from new goalkeeper Conal Doran, while Loftus worked hard until injury forced him off near the end.

Galway now sit on six points and require only a draw against Sligo/Leitrim next month to advance.

*See Tuesday's print edition for a comprehensive report