Pat O'Brien Cup - Connemara Gaels 0-14 Mayo 1-2

Connemara Gaels 0-14 Mayo 1-2



The Connemara Gaels had a satisfying first outing of the year and dispatched with Mayo with relative ease. The first quarter was tight as Mayo hung with their opponents, but as the game wore on Gaels turned the screw the outcome was more or less decided before the second half was too old. Barry Murphy impressed in the back line for the Gaels, while Eamonn McGlinchy and Bryan Carroll worked hard throughout at the other end.
 

Mayo's Pat O'Malley and the Gael's Michael Coyne

Carroll got the Gaels on the board first with a point after 5 minutes, Dara McLaughlin leveled with a well-taken score for Mayo before Joey Geoghan and Carroll again put the Gaels ahead, and there they would stay for the rest of the game. Conor Walsh at center forward was the main threat in the Mayo forward line and proved effective at opening things up, but Mayo could not capitalize. Paudie O’Donahoe pointed a second for Mayo, but from then on the Gaels took hold of the game. Tom McDonagh extended the lead to four, and shortly afterwards Barry Murphy won the ball in his own back line and finished a great move with another point for the Gaels. Joe Geoghan made it six points to two for the Gaels at the break.


The second half was all Gaels and the forward line had plenty to feed on. Mayo found it hard to cope with the forward runs from Murphy who opened the scoring in the second half. Geoghan, Kevin Owens, and substitute PJ Kelly rattled off points and the Gaels introduced the subs for a run. After Eamonn McGlinchy and Carroll each added to the Gaels tally, Mayo finally made a breakthrough and Conor Walsh netted a consolation goal. A satisfying outing for the Gaels who advance to meet the Shannon Blues next week. Some good individual performances from Dara McLaughlin, Walsh and Gervase Toner will give Mayo something to build on.



Gaels: B. O’Halloran, M. Coyne, B. Murphy, V. O’Malley, K. Lowe, S. McKiernan, M. Geoghan, G. O’Malley, T. McDonagh, J. Geoghan, E. McGlinchy, K. Owens, B. Carroll. Mayo: A. Townsend, B. Cassidy, J. Morin, M. Murphy, R. Coyne, M. Carolan, G. Toner, K. Comer, P. O’Donahoe, C. Walsh, P. McKiernan, P. O’Malley, D. McLoughlin.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Donegal v Mayo - Aug 1

Donegal 1-14 Mayo 2-6


In a game that looked like it would be a classic one sided rout, Mayo gave Donegal some food for thought with a spirited performance and some fine shooting in the first half, and even though the westerners played the second half at a on man disadvantage, the outcome was never a sure thing until the final few minutes.

Mayo's Rob Murphy tries to get past Donal McNulty.

Donegal went in at half time with the smallest of leads thanks to a stiff first half Mayo performance. Mayo’s first two scores came by way of the goal. The first from a penalty taken by Sean Kenny after Gabriel McTaggert was pulled down in the box, and the second came from McTaggert himself midway through the half. McTaggert pulled down a high ball into the box and finished under Brian Fitzpatrick in the Donegal goal. The score leveled the game as Donegal had pointed six times. Conor Rafferty, Kevin Curran, Paddy Kelly, and Daniel Graham all found the mark for Donegal. Mayo’s wing forward Aiden Campbell displayed some fine shooting and put three fine points over the bar from close to the sideline, while wing back Peter Heneghan finished a good Mayo move. Donegal kept their noses in front thanks for a goal from Declan Meehan, while Kieran Lillis and Brian Lafferty each pointed before half time. Mayo lost midfielder Sean Kenny for dissent and had to take the field a man short for the second half.

The second half saw Mayo continue to hang in there, though it was a much lower scoring affair than the first. Aiden Campbell leveled the scores, but Kevin Curran and Brian Lafferty restored Donegal’s lead. Darragh McLoughlin and Rafferty traded scores, but it was a case of defences on top for much of the second period. Donegal eventually put a more comfortable distance between the teams. Lafferty and Sean Burke pointed in the final minutes and Donegal remain on track for the semis in three weeks time.


Donegal: B. Fitzpatrick, T. Maguire, N. Collins, D. Graham, N. Gurhey, K. Lillis, M. McGinty, D. McNulty, B. Lafferty, C. Rafferty, K. Curran, D. Meehan, P. Kelly. Mayo: A. Coyne, F. Coyne, K. McLoughlin, P. Walsh, R. Murphy, P. Heneghan, M. Feeley, S. Kenny, A. Campbell, D. McLoughlin, K. Staunton, A. Benson, G. McTaggert.
 
By Rory O'Donnell

June 27 - Senior Football: Galway v Mayo

Galway 0-11 Mayo 1-7

Galway pipped Mayo in this bottom of the table clash to win their first 2 points of the season. With a man advantage thanks to Mayo losing Michael Murphy to a sending off early on, Galway looked to hold a comfortable lead late in the game. However, it was a close exciting finish with Mayo’s Gareth Price netting just over 15 minutes into the second half. Mayo held a brief lead, only to see Galway to recover and put five points over the bar in quick succession.

Galway held a slender one-point lead at the break. Mayo opened the scoring with points from Price and Mark Fehilly. Jarlath McGeeney opened Galway’s account, and Fehilly responded in kind for Mayo. Conrad O’Reilly put one over for Galway and the Brighton side began to make their one-man advantage count. As things dried up for Mayo’s forwards, Galway’s found their stride and pointed three times to one for Mayo before the half.

After Galway added another point following the restart, Mayo decided to make a run at going for the win. Price put a long range free over the bar from the ground, and then rifled a goal home. Mayo added another point from Aiden Campbell and urged on by their supporters led by three points. Galway did not panic. A Peter Nolan free and points from Donal Redmond and Niall Kilcoyne erased Mayo’s lead. With the chance to press their advantage home, Galway added points from Gearoid O’Connor and Redmond. Price got one back for Mayo to pull within one, but the red and green did not have enough left in the tank to salvage a result from the game.

Galway: A. Ready, S. Melia, P. Cummins, S. Leamy, M. Norbie, S. Gallagher, G. McArdle, P. Hackett, C. O’Reilly, N. Kilcoyne, J. McGeeney, D. Redmond, G. O’Connor. Mayo: A. Townsend, F. Coyne, M. Murphy, K. McLaughlin, K. Comer, R. Murphy, M. Fehilly, G. McAllister, G. McTaggert, D. McLaughlin, A. Benson, A. Campbell, G. Price.

By Rory O'Donnell

McAnespies v Mayo - May 30

McAnespies 0-6 Mayo 0-5

Mayo will have come away from this game regretting having missed a golden opportunity to win at least a point off one of Boston’s big guns. The game was hard fought and in the end decided by the narrowest of margins, which in no way flattered Mayo. Both defences were in the ascendancy for most of the game and the forward lines struggled to find any rhythm or range. Mayo had numerous chances that could have won them the game, but the McAnespies back line held firm in the final ten minutes to preserve the win.

It was a hard fought contest between Macs and Mayo.

After one half of well contested, but disjointed play, McAnespies held the slightest of advantages. Having enjoyed more of the possession, McAnespies were a little guilty of overplaying the ball. Mayo, on the other hand, made the most of their chances. It was Mayo who opened the scoring with a free from the returning Dara McLaughlin, and Colm McCrory responded likewise for McAnespies. The sides then struggled to find a pattern to their play and a long scoreless spell ensued. Mayo’s David Carroll put the westerners ahead with a well taken point from distance. McAnepsies corner forwards , Kevin Brady and Dermot McCrudden then pointed three times between them to open a two point lead. McLaughlin finished the half with another free for Mayo to make it 0-4 to 0-3 at the half.

Does this pass the new handpass rule?

The second half followed a similar pattern. Mayo’s attacking efforts often ended in the hands of McAnespies corner back Martin Bogue, while Mayo’s Ciaran McLaughlin and Sean Clifford made life difficult for the McAnespies front men. As with the beginning of the first half, McLoughlin and McCrory traded points from frees. It would remain that way until 19 minutes in when Kevin Brady made up for a poorly attempted shot with a rifled score from 30 yards. Mayo’s efforts then took on a new sense of urgency and the westerners rallied upfield. A goal looked on at one point following one of the better moves of the half, but Shane Connolly got down well to save from Alan Benson. Mayo cut the lead to a point again with another McLaughlin free with five minutes to go. In an exciting last 5 minutes both sides narrowly missed scoring chances down the stretch as the game was up for grabs. Martin Bogue made the last block of the game to deny Gabe McTaggert the equalizing point, and McAnespies escaped with full points from an unexpectedly tough encounter.

Macs: S. Connolly, M. Bogue, N. Clancy, D. Wylie, C. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan, D. Tobin, B. McGarr, N. Donaghy, G. Hennessy, C. McCrory (0-2), C. Clarke, K. Brady (0-3), D. McCrudden (0-1). Subs: S. Magill,C. Dempsey. Mayo: A. Townsend, S. Clifford, F. Coyne, M. Carolan, K. Comer, C. McLaughlin, G. McAllister, S. McDonagh, D. Carroll, G. McTaggert, K. McAllister (0-1), D. McLaughlin (0-4), A. Benson.

By Rory O'Donnell

Championship Begins

The championship season opened in Canton on a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. There were perfect sporting conditions, with sunny skies and light breeze. Ten teams took the field for the first games of the senior football championship. There were wins for Wolfe Tones, Connemara Gaels, Aiden McAnespies, Donegal, and the Shannon Blues. Donegal and Shannon Blues looked strong in their wins over Armagh-Notre Dame and Kerry respectively, while Mayo and Galway fell by a single point each to McAnespies and the Gaels. Reports to follow...

Championship Begins

Since the last post, Aiden McAnespies clamined the first silverware of the 2010 season by winning the Pat O'Brien Cup. The chamionship begins this Sunday with 5 senior football games on the schedule.

12:00 Cork v Wolfe Tones
1:15 Connemara Gaels v Galway
2:30 Aiden McAnespies v Mayo
3:45 Armagh-Notre Dame v Donegal
5:00 Kerry v Shannon Blues

Recently I had a little chat with Denis O'Brien, a former press box colleague, with some reflection on last season and looking forward to the coming one. Click on the link below and then hit play to listen.

http://www.gaelicsportscast.com/2010/05/25/60-boston-championship-preview/

Pat O'Brien Cup - First Round

The first round of the Pat O'Brien Cup was played last Sunday. I was taking a break in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - so unfortunately I do not have any reports. However, I did get the results.

Kerry defeated Cork after extra time, Armagh-Notre Dame beat Mayo by one point, and Aiden McAnespies beat the New England Celtics. McAnespies are though to the semi-final as theirs was a quarter final game.

Next Sunday's quarter finals will feature Shannon Blues v Armagh-Notre Dame and the Connemara Gaels v Kerry. Galway will play Wolfe Tones in a first round game that was postponed, and Donegal will have to wait another week to play the winners in the last quarter final game.

Boston Selection

The Boston selection to play New York Saturday afternoon is as follows: Paudie Kenneally, Dan Kenneally, (Christopher's); Kieran Cox, Tom Sally McDonagh, Pat McNicholas, Colman Mulkerrins (Connemara Gaels); Mike Moynihan, Julian Leonard (Cork); Donal McNulty, Kevin Curran, Paddy Kelly, Brian Lafferty, John Lynch, Thomas Maguire (Donegal); Robbie Croft, Thomas Dennehy (Kerry); Michael Carolan (Mayo); Colm McCrory, Neil Donaghy, Tony McClellan, Dermot McCrudden (Aidan McAnespies); Simon Sinnott (Shannon Blues); Marty Farrell, Derek Scullane, Michael Crillie (Wolfe Tones).

Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Mayo - July 12

Connemara Gaels 2-16 Mayo 0-2

The Connemara Gaels demolished Mayo on Sunday afternoon. Needing a win to get back on track towards a senior playoff spot, the Gaels took care of business in a one sided game. In the second half the game degenerated into target practice for the Gaels forwards as Mayo were unable to match their opponents in any facet of the game.



















Midfielders rise as Kieran Cox (9) and Mike Carolan (4) ready themselves for the breaking ball.

The tone was set right from the start as each of the Gaels' corner forwards helped themselves to a goal. Galwayman Michael Martin and Tyrone native Mark Dougan each netted in the first five minutes. After the Gaels went ahead on an unusual looking score of 2-0, Mayo pointed twice and it looked like there may be a game on. Barry O’Donovan and Dan Murphy each pointed for Mayo. However, it was not to be. The Gaels pointed seven times without reply as the traffic was all in one direction for the remainder of the half. Dougan and Martin put six over the bar between them , while 2007 All-Ireland winning Galway minor John O’Brien accounted for the odd score from wing forward. The Gaels led by a score of 2-6 to 0-2 at the break.
















Michael Magill puts his second point over the bar.

The second half continued as the first ended. The Gaels' subs got a good run as the westerners pointed eight times before Mayo scored a consolation goal in the final quarter. Derryman Fergal Doyle and Colin Harkin controlled matters in midfield, while at the back the Gaels defenders did not have too much to bother them. Paudi Walsh eventually put the ball away for Mayo with a good finish, but the goal had no impact on the game. The Gaels corner forwards continued their impressive shooting, and Michael Magill added a couple of points to the total. The win puts the Gaels back on track for a top 4 spot.

Gaels: R. McCrystal, D. McLarnon, M. Kelly, C. Arkinson, A. Flanagan, C. Conroy, F. Doyle, C. Harkin, K. Cox, M. Magill (0-2), J. O’Brien (0-2), M. Dougan (1-7), M. Martin (1-5). Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Wynne, M. Carolan, J. Toner, P. Fleming, P. Walsh (1-0), D. Murphy (0-1), B. O’Donovan (0-1), C. Walsh.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Mayo - July 5

McAnespies 1-19 Mayo 1-5

The scoreline tells the story for this game. A comfortable win for McAnespies who had little to worry about once they took the lead after 5 minutes. Mayo never looked like they felt that they could pull off an upset and for much of the game the outcome was inevitable. Don O’Malley managed to keep a clean sheet for Mayo for 59 minutes, until Colm McCrory netted at the death to rob Mayo of even that bright spot to an otherwise forgettable day for the westerners.

Keith Hudson has matters in hand at center back for McAnespies.

Once things got warmed up McAnespies started to cruise and opened up comfortable lead. The sides were on a level footing after five minutes with 2 points each. Keith Hudson and Colm McCrory pointed for McAnespies, while Barry O’Donovan was on the mark for Mayo. Once Alan Nestor put McAnespies one to the good from a free the South Boston side cruised without looking like they were overextending themselves. The only interruption to the one way traffic was a point from Barry O’Donovan. Mayo did make an occasional foray into McAnespie’s territory, but the Macs back five mopped up with reasonable comfort. Colm Donnelly finished an incisive move to put McAnespies four points to the good after 15 minutes, while McCrory and Nestor clocked up the points tally between them. At the half McAnespies led by 0-11 to 0-3, and all the while looking like they could raise the tempo if needed.

Kevin McAllister finds room to play the ball into the corner.

The second half continued as the first ended. A Rory Maguire point was followed by a pointed McCrory free. Barry O’Donovan bucked the trend and netted for Mayo, after Stephen Hughes supplied the pass, finishing the best move of the afternoon for the westerners. Macs answered with three points over the following five minutes. Colm McCrory picked things it up in the speed department and finished two sweeping moves for points, though it was clear that a goal was on his mind. Luke Sweetman got credit for the third point. Sweetman had the goal at his mercy, but Don O’Malley got down well to deflect the shot over the bar. Mayo kept Macs from netting a goal and put some respectability on the scoreboard, and seemed to apply themselves a bit better late in the day. There were a couple of occasions where McAnespies defence had to put some work in. Kevin McAllister pointed twice for Mayo, one could have been a second goal for Mayo but the ball floated over the bar from close range. McCrory eventually put one in the goal column for McAnespies. With time almost up, the Monaghan man put first time shot in the top corner from close range denying Mayo a clean sheet. Macs still unbeaten, while Mayo are no doubt looking to put this one behind them.

Macs: D. Wright, S. Magill, C. Moore, G. Clarke, K. Hudson (0-1), F. McPhilips, C. Donnelly (0-2), N. Donaghy, D. Donegan, C. McCrory (1-8 – 4f), A. Nestor (0-5), L. Sweetman (0-2), R. Maguire (0-1). Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Wynne, M. Carolan, J. Toner, D. Murphy, M. Coakley, P. Walsh, J.Carney, P. McHale, S. Hughes, K. McAllister (0-2), B. O’Donovan (1-3).

By Rory O'Donnell

Mayo v Christopher's - June 20

Mayo 3-8 Christopher’s 2-13

The scoreboard in Canton still reflected Mayo’s heavy defeat to Donegal as last weekend ended on a bad note for the westerners. They picked themselves up again to face a Christopher’s side that was 2 for 2. The game turned out to be a tremendous affair where the result was in doubt until the very last kick. Mayo looked to be cruising after the first half, but Christopher’s showed some great commitment to come storming back and hold on at the end for the win. In a small bit of irony, two Crossmolina natives played a heavy part in Mayo’s downfall.

















Crossmolina native Sean Kelly points for Christopher's


Christopher’s started out looking strong and for the first five minutes enjoyed most of the possession. Brian McNally opened the scoring with an impressive point. Mayo struck with a goal after 5 minutes and then proceeded to settle down and played some lovely passing football. Ian O’Dowd netted from close range. With the Mayo players running in support of each other, another goal and three points followed. It could have been more; Ryan Graber in the Christopher’s goal was called upon twice to make point blank saves, and Mayo missed a couple of very point-able chances. The best Mayo point came from Patrick McHale, the midfielder finished off a lovely passing move that was a hallmark of Mayo’s first half display. Mayo’s second goal came courtesy of a hesitant pass out of the Christopher’s defence, and Pat Walsh capitalized for maximum punishment. Christopher’s brought themselves back within touching distance towards the end of the half and popped three points over without reply. Sean Kelly was the driving force at center forward. The Crossmolina man pointed twice and McNally once to make to 0-6 to 2-4 in Mayo’s favour at the break.


















Jarvey Toner tries to evade the attentions of Ian O'Dowd


Christopher’s made some half time changes. Mark O’Sullivan was introduced to corner forward – a change that paid hefty dividends. After Mayo extended their lead with the first two scores of the second half, courtesy of Barry O’Donovan and Pat Walsh, Christopher’s back line dug in. Showing more commitment in the tackle, Christopher’s provided little room for the Mayo forwards to operate. Points came from Ian Dowling, Kelly, and Brian McNally. Mayo led by a goal entering the last 15 minutes. Things were all going Christopher’s way as they won most of the midfield exchanges and applied a lot of pressure on the Mayo back line. Dowling showed a keen left foot to point, and shortly afterwards Christopher’s took the lead with a well worked goal. Substitute O’ Sullivan showed great experience in making the extra pass to find Brian Lonergan alone in front of goal and Lonergan netted. Dowling again stroked the ball over with the left and Mayo looked to be on the ropes.

Corner back Martin Wynne tried to provide a spark to re-ignite the Mayo challenge. A give and go following a run the length of the field resulted in a goal that put Mayo a point to the good, but it was Christopher’s who got themselves fired up following the score. Dowling, the other Crossmolina man in the Christopher’s forward line, leveled the scores with another superb point, and then Christopher’s struck with a second goal, this time from O’Sullivan himself. The former Cork county player was fed by Dowling in front of goal, sidestepped his man and slotted home. Dowling followed with another point and Mayo’s goose looked cooked. The westerners lifted themselves and kept it exciting until the very last kick. The Connaught men came within two points as Barry O’Donovan pointed twice from frees, but Christopher’s weathered the late storm to maintain their 100% record.

Mayo: D. O’Malley, M. Wynne (1-0), M. Murphy, M. Carolan, G. Toner, D. Murphy, Paudi Walsh, P. McHale (0-1), B. O’Donovan (0-3), S. Hughes, Pat Walsh (1-1), K. McAllister (0-2), K. McAllister, I. O’Dowd (1-1). Christopher’s: R. Graber, N. Ryan, E. Cotter, B. Kelly, J. Kavanagh, I. Foley, D. Kenneally, M. O’Meara, P. Kenneally, S. Kelly (0-3), I. Dowling (1-5), B. Lonergan, B. McNally (0-5). Sub: M. O’Sullivan (1-0).

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Donegal v Mayo June 14

Donegal 3-20 Mayo 1-7

Donegal dispatched Mayo with little difficulty in their senior football encounter. From start to finish Donegal looked the far stronger side. The forwards took a little while to get going, but once they did Donegal pulled away and never looked in danger of losing this game.




















Barry O'Donovan Shoots as Cahir Healy Moves in to Block

An early goal put the northerners in the drivers seat and was a harbinger of what was to come for the rest of the game. Cahir Healy made a great run and when the Laois man pulled the trigger, his shot hit the post. The ball ended in the hands of Eddie Mangan who finished well. Kevin Curran and Mark McGowan followed with points before Mayo opened their account. Mayo’s most dangerous forward, Barry O’Donovan pointed well from a difficult angle. Donegal defended well and enjoyed the lions share of possession, but their finishing let them down on a number of occasions. In the early going the half backs showed the way on the scoring front as they surged forward. Corner forward Cormac Mullins missed a 21-yard free, but the Kerryman made up for it from the kickout with a point from play. Mullins’ free taking improved from then on as he did not miss another for the rest of the game. Mayo came into the game a little more as the half wore on, Stephen Hughes and O’Donovan pointed three times between them. Donegal, however, put some thumping points over the bar. Michael McGinty and Gavin Hoey each scored from distance to end the half and Donegal led by a score of 1-10 to 0-4.


















Pat Walsh Tries to Make Something Good Happen for Mayo

Donegal opened the second half with four points on the trot. Mangan, Hoey and Mark McGowan each pointed. Cahir Healy’s form continued at wing back and he broke up some promising looking Mayo attacks. After O’Donovan pointed for Mayo, Ian O’Dowd goaled - was a comeback on the cards or mere respectability? It proved to be the latter. Donegal were just too strong for the westerners. Eddie Mangan answered right away for Donegal with a second goal 12 minutes into the half, and substitute Ross Wherity made it three in the goals column for the Tir Chonaill men with the game reaching it’s inevitable conclusion. The St. Eunan’s Letterkenny clubman finished into the corner from a tight angle. Donegal ended the game with the final eight scores as they cruised to victory. Wherity caused plenty of problems after entering the game, and notched two additional points. The gangly youngster could become a permanent part of the team before the season is out.

Donegal: M. Hennessy, S. Lee, R. McLaughlin, M. McGowan (0-3), S. Hannon (0-1), C. Healy, D. McNulty, C. Bell (0-1), K. Curran (0-2), M. McGinty (0-1), G. Hoey (0-3), C. Mullins (0-3), E. Mangan (2-3). Sub: R. Wherity (1-2) Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Murphy, P. Shivers, P. McHale, M. Hunt, J. Toner, P. Walsh, K. McAllister, P. Walsh, I. O’Dowd (1-0), B. O’Donovan (0-6), S. Hughes (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Northeast GAA 2009 - Let the Games Begin

While I was away in the balmy climes of the Emerald Isle, the first weekend of championship football in Canton came to a premature halt due to thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms seem to have become a regular feature of Sundays in late May and early June. It makes you wonder if somebody "up there" enjoys seeing the board officers and clubs having deal with rescheduling the senior fixtures since Junior games cannot start until the club has fulfilled a senior game. 6:00 during the week certainly does not suit everybody but what can you do?

The Sheehan Cup was won by Wexford, and Tir na nOg won the club's first Orla Benson Cup. A championship would be a nice addition for the Brighton ladies this year....

Also, last Sunday was the first day of Championship football in Boston. Wins for Mayo, Shannon Blues, Donegal, Christopher's, and Wolfe Tones. Pat O'Brien Cup winners, Aiden McAnespies headline next Sunday, June 7, as they play Wolfe Tones. Also, at 3:30 Fr. Tom's and Tipp open the hurling season. Come back on Monday for reports on both games.

The Cup

The Cup schedule carries on next week, Sunday May 10, with the semi-finals.

There will be a new name on the Pat O'Brien Cup as holders Donegal were knocked out the first hurdle this year. The footballers of Mayo and Galway meet at 2:00 in a battle of The West, while the Boston and North American champion McAnespies meet the Connemara Gaels at 4:00.

In hurling, Tipperary and holders Tom's meet at 3:00 in the Kieran Sheehan Cup semi final, while at 1:00 the Orla Benson Cup holders, the Boston Shamrocks meet fierce rivals Roscommon as the ladies begin to it their stride.

Incidentally, the last team to win a cup and the Boston championship in the same year were Aiden McAnespies in 2007. Last year Donegal won the Pat O'Brien Cup and were beaten in the championship final, Tom's won the Sheehan Cup and had a poor hurling championship, and the Shamrocks won the Orla Benson Cup and did not figure in the Ladies football final. Some argue that the cups are a distraction from focusing on the championship, others see them as an opportunity to get more competitive games in early in the year. Few will argue that getting into a winning habit is not a good thing.

Mayo v Donegal July 20

Gareth Concar gets around his man.

Donegal 0-16 Mayo 1-4

Donegal dispatched Mayo with little difficulty on a hot and humid afternoon. Mayo kept it level thru the end of the first quarter thanks to a somewhat fortunate goal, but after that Donegal imposed themselves on the game were always in control. From the middle of the field to lively corner forwards, Gareth Concar and Declan Murphy, Donegal dominated proceedings and set themselves up well for the run-in to the playoffs.

The expectations were for Donegal to win this game, and the first half underlined the superiority of the northerners. Mayo put a point and goal together midway through the half, but spent most of the time trying to hold their opponents at bay rather than thinking too much about engineering scores of their own. Donegal put four points over the bar before Mayo got off the ground. Gareth Concar, Ronan McNeilis, and Kevin Curran each pointed for Donegal before Ronan Rochfort got Mayo on the scoreboard after 12 minutes. Mayo leveled the scores soon after with a goal from Sean Gerrity that might have Donegal management concerned with the defending.. A point attempt came high off the post, and Gerrity was waiting unimpeded to gather the ball and slip it below the keeper. All square. Not for long though as Donegal put another six points over the bar in the latter part of the half, while Mayo laboured to match their opponents. Gareth Concar and Declan Murphy were full of running in the Donegal full forward line. Concar was a major threat for Donegal, and had three points in his name before the half was out. Dualtach Molloy pointed twice before half time to put Donegal at a six point advantage.

Mayo claimed the first two scores of the second half – both points, and almost goaled but Pat Hickey’s shot came back into play off the inside of the post. Had it gone in it could have rattled Donegal nerves and provided Mayo with a platform to attempt a comeback. Donegal center forward, Eamonn Murphy played a part in Donegal’s response. Murphy put a dead ball over the bar with a free from 50 yards, and then found Dualtach Molloy for a second point to restore Donegal’s six point advantage. Gervaise Toner fisted over a great point for Mayo after 10 minutes, but that would be it for the westerners. Donegal went on to finish the game with four unanswered points, Molly, Concar, and two from Murphy, and put themselves in a good position senior championship playoff hunt.

Donegal: N. McConnell, T. Maguire, S. Lee, P. Witherow, K. Cunningham, N. Hegarty, D. McNulty, Ronan McNeilis (0-1), Kevin Curran (0-1), Eamonn Murphy (0-2), Dualtach Molloy (0-4), Gareth Concar (0-4), Declan Murphy (0-4).. Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Murphy, C. Clifford, M. Hunt, T. Scanlon, Ronan Rochford (0-2), C. Brennan, Rory Gavin (0-1), Gervase Toner (0-2), Sean Gerrity (1-0), P. Hickey, B. McStay.

By Rory O'Donnell