The county’s U17 footballers breathed new life this evening into their Connacht MFC campaign, as they enjoyed a big win over Sligo at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. The lads ran out winners by 3-19 to 1-10.
They came into this evening’s game with a win (over Leitrim) and a loss (to Roscommon) from the two games they’d played to date. In terms of progression to the knockout stage, that made this evening’s game a must-win one.
And win it they did. In a rampant opening quarter the home side struck for three goals, scored by Rhys Neary, Oran Murphy and Conor Hession. By half-time they were out of sight and they won by fifteen at the finish. Sligo’s goal came from the penalty spot in injury time so that final margin between the teams could have been even greater.
I was out myself earlier on and I wasn’t following the match as it developed so there’s little more I can say about it. In terms of what it means, our lads are now guaranteed a provincial semi-final meeting with Galway, with Roscommon having qualified directly for the final with four wins from four.
We’re playing the young Tribesmen in the final round game this night week, of course, but the decisive meeting between the teams will now be the one the week after.
Connacht GAA have match highlights here.
We’ll have a Final Whistle pod from the game up on Patreon a bit later on.
2 hops says:
April 11, 2025 at 8:54 pm
The winners next week getting a home venue for the semi...so a little bit of jeopardy.
Willie Joe says:
April 11, 2025 at 9:01 pm
Final Whistle pod from this evening's game is up now on Patreon.
TsuDhoNim says:
April 11, 2025 at 9:04 pm
@2 hops: Mind me asking where that's coming from?
Last year Galway finished 3rd & Roscommon 2nd with the semi-final being played in Tuam.
Mayo topped the group in 1st but played Roscommon in the final in the Hyde rather than home advantage from finishing 1st.
I'd love to think they've tweaked the rules to a more sensible reward for performance (and keep the rotations within the group stage), but I'd have my doubts having not heard mention of any tweaks to the setup.
2 hops says:
April 11, 2025 at 9:49 pm
@Tsu, I just got it from Sean Deane and Stephen on Midwest commentry...took it to be gospel but maybe not!
mayomagic says:
April 11, 2025 at 11:07 pm
Heard no tweak from last year either which would mean the semi final will be played in MacHale Park. On the other hand with both into the semi final the Connacht GAA could make that match next week as the semi final in a neutral venue I recall them doing that one year with the FBD.
GlasagusDearg. says:
April 12, 2025 at 12:47 am
Quite impressive by Mayo. Lorded it all game at midfield and won nearly every Kick-out. Seems to be a lot of really small lads on this team, but some are real pocket rockets, like our two corner backs-a bit of Keith about them. Neary a nifty little player and Oran Murphy is a typical nippy corner forward. I was also very impressed with Colm Hession-a fine footballer and big sturdy lad too.. Would love to have another crack at Roscommon.
JoeG says:
April 12, 2025 at 8:15 am
It's not like they're going to be playing in full stadiums with massive support for the home side so I don't think home or away is any realistic advantage. There's no massive treks and the Mayo lads for instance don't play in McHale Park every week so one ground is as good as any other.
Good to see different lads coming to the fore for Mayo in all 3 games so far and the finishes for the 3 goals were stunning.
Clare says:
April 12, 2025 at 9:17 am
Congrats to the young ones great win for them !
JP says:
April 12, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I recommend people check the highlights to see the third goal. Our goal of the year at any grade.
Southmayo Exile says:
April 12, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Antrim leading Armagh by a point at ht - and they missed a penalty as well
Dan Mayo says:
April 12, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Was like a different team this week all played very good and a good start made a great stepping stone for the game , the full back last week played midfield and centre back to full and few more changes like that tru the team and was told that’s the way the lined out all year , Connor Hession very good inside but all played miles better than last week would love a crack again at Roscommon down the line ,, all only 16 and 17 year old s so anything can happen but liked how the moves the ball this evening fast running at them well done all
Willie Joe says:
April 12, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Fermanagh's Niall Cullen is the ref for the Leitrim game. We're definitely heading for some kind of record in having Ulster refs this year!
Achill75 says:
April 12, 2025 at 8:30 pm
Anyone at Westport v Claremorris or other league games tonight, any standout players or Mayo panel members playing ? Surely all injury free players that didnt get game time last week or wont feature next week should be released tonight.
Jr says:
April 12, 2025 at 9:08 pm
A good Ref, Jordan Flynn pushed him in the u20 final and was correctly sent off.
Aidan says:
April 12, 2025 at 10:12 pm
@Achill75 was at Crossmolina v Garrymore.
Good win for Crossmolina with the young lads playing well . Garrymore were very poor though .
MO2023 says:
April 12, 2025 at 11:29 pm
Kevin McStay has a small bit of history with Niall Cullen
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/kevin-mcstay-accepts-three-month-ban-1.3575155