South Mayo club complete the double with Women's Masters Cup win

Claremorris AFC's women's masters team wrote themselves into the history books at Celtic Park last night in winning the Mayo Women's Masters Cup in the first year of the competition, sponsored by Hurst Heating and Plumbing.

It sees them complete a first ever double in the Mayo masters as winners of the Division One title also, with that presentation taking place at a season finale round of matches next Saturday.

Claremorris emerged as 4-0 winners over a battling Ballyvary Blue Bombers under lights in Castlebar, with two goals in each half.

After a cagey start by both sides, Claremorris settled into their rhythm, with Emma Mullin getting in behind the Ballyvary defence, only for 'keeper Ciara Kennedy to pull off a super save.

Mullin made it count a short while later though, tucking home from an assist from Marie Bones 10 minutes in.

The Bombers were probing the opposing defence, with Ann Reilly, who was tireless all evening, unlucky with a piledriver of a shot. But it was Claremorris who were to sneak in for a second goal just before half-time via Caroline Conroy.

Captain Michelle Nally extended the lead five minutes after the restart, the ball coming back off the post, sent back in and saved, only to end up back with the No. 6, who duly scored.

Ballyvary defended well and threatened with a free or two as the half progressed, and Reilly in particular was really out of luck when she saw a shot on goal sail just over the bar about 15 minutes in.

Emma Mullin, who was the unanimous choice for player of the match, saw a busy evening's work for her rewarded with a second goal midway through the half.

With their numbers stretched due to injuries, Ballyvary put up a good effort to get on the scoreboard but it wasn't to be against their strong opposition.

Wayne Hurst of sponsors Hurst Heating & Plumbing was on hand to present the cup to Claremorris captain Michelle Nally and the player of the match award to Emma Mullin.

Ballyvary Blue Bombers squad: C. Kennedy, J. Reilly, A. Reilly, V. Boyle, G. Evans, G. McGing, J. McDonnell, P. Joyce, C. Doherty, G. Lynch.

Claremorris AFC squad: Edel Mullin, Emma Mullin, M. Bones, K. Moran, M. Nally, R. Ferguson, M. McDonald, C. Farragher, C. Conroy, C. Coffey.

Referee: Catherine Fleming. Assistant referees: Ann Sweeney and Mick Walsh.