Castlebar Mitchels this afternoon sealed back-to-back U21A football county titles, when they got the better of Westport by 4-7 to 3-4 in the decider played at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.
I’ve been on the road most of the day so I’m unable to say more about today’s game but Oisín McGovern has a match report on it in the Mayo News, which you’ll find here.
Joe Duffy says:
December 22, 2024 at 8:15 pm
No end to Oisin McConvilles talents.
Willie Joe says:
December 22, 2024 at 8:20 pm
Good spot, Joe! I've fixed that now.
2 hops says:
December 23, 2024 at 10:35 am
Well done to the Mitchells boys, particularly delighted for the Cunningham lads,the mental resolve they have shown after what has been a very difficult few months for them personally.
Also with Mitchells seniors under new management for '25 hopefully Mark is back on the senior panel sooner rather than later.
Size 5 says:
December 23, 2024 at 6:33 pm
Was an enjoyable match that was nearly ruined by the weather. Conditions were poor but both teams were well up for it. Westport the bigger more physical side against a quicker castlebar side. Westport with the wind went defensive , hard to know if its the right call, it worked well in that they blocked up castlebar on numerous occasions and were very good in the tackle and getting blocks. For all castlebars possession they were only 2 up at half time. The other side would be that if they didn't drop some back they could have being carved open.
Second half very enjoyable, two early goals by Westport really stunned castlebar but they got their heads together and a few changes settled them and they powered home. John Mcmonegle was stand out player for me, especially in second half. Sean Moraghan strong in the tackle, Cunningham has the x factor. Plenty of real pace all over the field.
Westport not far off them and took some of their goals superbly, they probably needed to score the penalty to really see what castlebar were made of. Hard not to see Castlebar back in the mix at seniors in next year or two. Westport and Claremorris will be right there too. A great speech by castlebar captain when receiving the cup.
Sean Burke says:
December 23, 2024 at 7:24 pm
Is there a Connacht competition for county winners ?
2 hops says:
December 23, 2024 at 8:59 pm
That's as far as that one goes Sean.
Mayo Man for Life says:
December 24, 2024 at 10:03 am
@Size5 agree, congrats to Mitchels and in particular the Cunningham family after a very difficult year.
As I mentioned before on this blog the County Board should consider moving this competition to a summer 6 week window and give it the prominence and respect it deserves . This showcases the best young adult footballers in the county and should be played on good pitches , decent weather and before the senior club championship . Why not play it from mid June to end July? The senior leagues will be almost complete and this will then give their clubs an opportunity to look at their younger talent groups in advance of the senior club championship. I know some clubs will argue a clash with minor but clubs should not be relying on 17 year olds at u21 grade to make up their teams.
Only benefit I see from playing this competition in Winter is that County u20 mgt can see what’s available to them for the upcoming u20 Connacht championship
Jr says:
December 24, 2024 at 12:19 pm
AoS looking for more clubs in the big towns.
Are Breaffy and Castlebar not in the same parish.
Did two Reilly brothe s not play on opposing teams in a county final.
Sweeney Brothers played underage for Castlebar and senior for Islandeady.
Facilities a major problem.
Planning permission in country areas also a problem.
We will see a lot of amalgamations of clubs in the future