Mayo Young Sports Stars: Two players who excelled on the soccer fields

Two players who excelled on the soccer fields locally and throughout the country are being recognised at The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sportstars Awards this Friday (March 13) in Breaffy House Resort.

First up, Cillian Keating starred for Mayo FC in his first year with the League of Ireland outfit. He joined in April 2025 having come through the underage set-up at Castlebar Celtic, and it is fair to say he made an immediate and lasting impression.

A natural goalscorer with a maturity beyond his years, Cillian was a standout performer for the Under 14 boys last season, finishing as the club's top goalscorer with an impressive 15 goals, a feat that earned him the Mayo FC Player of the Year Award – richly deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution throughout the campaign.

Between the Under 14 and Under 15 age groups, Cillian accumulated a remarkable combined tally of 21 goals, a testament to his ability, work rate, and eye for goal.

His talent has not gone unnoticed at a higher level either. Last summer, Cillian was selected for the national pathway programme for 2011 boys. His performances there caught the attention of the FAI selectors, and Cillian was subsequently called up to an Ireland Under 15 assessment day – a proud moment for the player, his family, his school (St. Gerald's College), and everyone at Mayo FC.

Meanwhile, in what was another great year in women's football for Castlebar Town, they had a host of magnificent performers all year as they captured a league and cup double.

But in Chantelle Gibbons, they had a player who was very much to the fore, especially in most of their big battles throughout the season.

Chantelle has already given great service to the club at underage level and is now doing it at adult level, making her a very worthy winner of this award.

Chantelle and Cillian will accept their awards on Friday in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.