Mayo IFC: Kiltane win it, but Islandeady cry foul over extra-time numbers
KILTANE have booked their place in the intermediate semi-final after surviving an extra-time thriller against Islandeady, winning 0-27 to 1-21 in Bangor Erris.
The result, however, looks set to face an appeal after Islandeady raised concerns over how extra-time was set up.
Kiltane were level with Islandeady twice in the opening exchanges but never fell behind.
A purple patch of two-pointers from Liam Donoghue, Martin Gallagher and Ben Donoghue in a four minute period halfway through the first half put daylight between the sides.
Islandeady hit back through a fortuitous Zac Collins goal, the ball dropping in underneath the crossbar from distance, and the visitors went in at the break just five points down, 0-17 to 1-06.
The game swung further in Islandeady's favour after the restart.
Kiltane lost veteran Mikie Sweeney to a second yellow card, and with Islandeady pressing hard - Zac Collins and Brendan Gibbons both going close to goal in one frantic spell mid-way through the half - the west Mayo side forced extra-time at 1-16 to 0-19 thanks to two pointers from Peter Collins and Levi Barrett.
A second Kiltane dismissal, Mikie Conroy on a second yellow, followed late in the half.
Kiltane took control in extra-time.
Ultan Corrigan and Charlie Ginnelly both landed two-pointers as the north Mayo side played with the elements, while Owen Doherty and Tommie Conroy added further scores.
Islandeady rallied late through Seamie Lally and a Ryan McNamara two-pointer but they couldn't close the gap, with Kiltane holding on.
EXTRA-TIME CONTROVERSY
The flashpoint of the game came at the restart of extra-time.
Despite Kiltane having had two players sent off in normal time, both sides took to the field with a full complement of 15 for the additional period.
Under the GAA's current playing rules - updated in March 2024 and still in force - a player sent off in normal time cannot be replaced for extra-time, meaning a team with one dismissal should start extra-time with 14 players, and two dismissals with 13.
Kiltane, having lost Mikie Sweeney and Mikie Conroy to second yellow cards in normal time, returned to the field with a full 15 for the extra period.
Islandeady chairman Eugene McCormack confirmed to the Connaught Telegraph that the club intends to lodge an appeal over the matter this evening, believing Kiltane should have played extra-time with onl 13 men.
Kiltane will now await the outcome of that appeal as they prepare for a semi-final meeting with Davitts slated for next weekend.