Mayo SFC: Late Charlestown goal dashes Kilmeena aspirations

Aiden Henry

Charlestown kept their senior championship hopes very much alive with a three-point victory (2-11 to 1-11) over Kilmeena in a Group 1 round two encounter played in Fr. O’Hara Memorial Park, Charlestown.

However, it took a late goal from the home side to see off a gallant Kilmeena side, who came from seven points down at the interval to draw level in the closing stages.

With both teams having one of the All-Ireland-winning Mayo senior stars in their line-up, Paul Towey for Charlestown and Jack Carney for Kilmeena, this crucial game attracted a big crowd.

There was extra spice to this encounter as both sides had lost their opening round fixture and needed a win if they were to have any realistic chance of keeping their championship aspirations alive.

Playing with the aid of the wind, the home side laid the foundation for their victory in the first half.

It was Towey who got them up and running with a fine two-pointer in the fourth minute.

Although Kilmeena had to wait until the ninth minute for their opening score, a point from Liam Moore, Towey replied almost immediately with a pointed free before he found the back of the Kilmeena net in the 11th minute after receiving an inch-perfect pass from Gareth O’Donnell.

However, the scoring dried up at both ends due to some poor shooting.

Indeed, each side just managed a point each in 18-minute spell before the home side hit two two-pointers and a single.

Kilmeena, who had been wasteful in front of goal, did manage to raise two white flags to keep them in touch, but it was the home side who went in for the interval break leading by seven, 1-8 to 0-4.

On the resumption, Kilmeena - who now had the wind in their backs - came a lot more into the game.

In the third quarter they scored 1-3 with reply, with their goal coming from the penalty spot, which was dispatched by their goalkeeper, Paul Groden.

As the game entered the final quarter it looked like Kilmeena had every chance of winning their first ever Mayo senior club championship game as the home side were struggling up front after Paul Towey picked up a leg injury and was just barely able to stay on the field.

But the home side kept battling away and although they did raise three white flags, Kilmeena had drawn level with a minute to go after Caolach Halligan and Jack Carney landed two brilliant two-pointers

However, it was Charlestown who have the final say in the 60th minute when an attempted fisted point by Ben Crean came back off the post, hit Carney and ended up in the back of the net.

There was no way back for Kilmeena now and it was Charlestown who came away with the crucial two points.

In the other Group 1 match, Claremorris defeated Westport by 1-28 to 6-11.