Mayo IFC: Prendergast runs riot to save Louisburgh's status
Louisburgh secured their place in the 2027 Mayo GAA Egan Jewellers Intermediate Football Championship after overcoming Cill Chomáin by 0-20 to 0-8 against the backdrop of the Ox Mountains at the home of Moy Davitts in Foxford, writes James Breheny.
The west Mayo men were superior for much of the contest, with Cill Chomáin only managing to draw level once during the opening quarter.
At the centre of the Louisburgh victory was captain Dylan Prendergast, who led from the front with an excellent 11-point haul, including three two-point frees.
By half-time, Louisburgh enjoyed a four-point lead (0-9 to 0-5) but Cill Chomáin made the better start to the second period, Justin Healy cutting the gap to three.
However, the Louisburgh response was immediate. Prendergast added another point before substitute Tommy Morahan made an impact off the bench with his first score.
Prendergast then started taking control of proceedings, landing his second two-point free of the afternoon to push Louisburgh seven clear. The Louisburgh captain added another two-point free just two minutes later before Morahan and Prendergast added further scores as the gap continued to grow.
Cill Chomáin goalkeeper Kian Gallagher came forward to convert a two-point free with ten minutes remaining to give the men from Erris some hope. It would prove to be their final score of the afternoon, however, as several efforts flashed wide and their hopes of remaining at intermediate level began to fade.
The final whistle confirmed a 0-20 to 0-8 victory and, more importantly for Louisburgh, secured their place in the intermediate championship for another year.
Prendergast was the standout performer with 11 points, including three two-point frees, while Basil Macleod and substitute Morahan also made important contributions.
However, it was very much a team effort from Louisburgh, with eight different players getting their names on the scoresheet.
*See the print edition of The Connaught Telegraph this week for a full report