Defending Mayo champions Ballina sent crashing out by mighty Mitchels

by Colm Gannon

This eagerly-awaited Mayo SFC round two grouo clash between the two most decorated sides the history of the Mayo GAA senior football championship went the way of the county town as Castlebar Mitchels saw off Ballina Stephenites by 1-17 to 1-10 at a packed Josie Munnelly Park.

The outcome resulted in the defending champions being sent crashing out of the series with one group match still remaining as they face Balla in a bottom-of-the-table play-off.

It marks the end of an era for the club that lifted the title for the past three years.

Ballina pushed themselves into an early 1-3 to 0-2 lead thanks to a David Tighe goal along with points from Mikie Murray and Connor Jordan.

Mitchels kept in touch thanks the efforts of players in the calibre of Callum Filan and Cian Walsh.

Ballina looked to have the upper hand until two late two pointed efforts from James Durcan and Rory Byrne, from a free, sent Mitchels in leading by 0-11 to 1-6 at the break.

The second half saw both sides struggle to break each other down with defenders on top mostly.

Ballina did wrestle the lead back thanks to a fine Patrick Carr two point-free with a quarter of the game to go.

Rather than that being the spur for the Stephenites to push on, it was Mitchels who kicked for home.

Bob Tuohy drove over a two pointer just after Carr’s and a late 1-1 from substitute Neil Douglas sealed the win.

Mitchels are now advance to the quarterfinal from Group 2 alongside Garrymore, winners over Balla this evening 1-12 to 0-10.

The final group match between Castlebar and Garrymore will decide the group winners.

In tonight's other SFC tie, Aghamore and Crossmolina drew, 1-14 to 0-17.