Magical Mayo end Croke Park wait for silverware

Mayo ........ 3-11

Kerry ........ 2-10

MAYO  have ended many years of Croke Park disappointment by lifting the Allianz National League title for the first time since 2001.

They produced a magical second half performance, which yeilded three goals, to secure the crown in style.

James Horan's charges had trailed by 2-3 to 0-5 at the break but started the second half with three points without reply by James Carr (2) and Darren Coen.

But their momentum went into overdrive when Matthew Ruane struck a stunning 48th minute followed by a point four minutes later by Diarmuid O'Connor.

Then Jason Doherty levelled proceedings with 14 minutes remaining after Carr had been denied a strong penalty appeal.

The game turned decisively in Mayo's favour in the 64th minute when O'Connor fisted Mayo's second goal to the Kerry net from Paddy Durcan high delivery.

That put Mayo three points clear but work remained to be done.

Two points by Paul Geaney had Mayo supporters living on their nerves while goalkeeper Robert Hennelly engineered a heroic moment with an astonishing save from Paul Clifford.

The Mayo supporters were finally put out of their agony when substitute Ciaran Treacy sealed victory with Mayo's third goal.

*Full report by John Melvin coming up later.