In a decidedly one-sided quarter-final for the Connacht senior championship, Mayo emerged victorious over New York in Gaelic Park, under a benevolent sun. The New York team, while having undergone significant changes, were unable to replicate their victorious feats from their match against Leitrim the previous year. Despite their best endeavours, they were outclassed throughout the game by a Mayo unit coordinated by Kevin McStay.
Ryan O’Donoghue was a standout performer, contributing a scoreline of 1-13, inclusive of 1-4 from gameplay. Additionally, Aidan O’Shea’s commendable display is noteworthy, which marked his 85th championship for Mayo – a new record.
A depleted New York was dealt a blow with just three players from their phenomenal penalty shootout triumph last year being present, due to a variety of reasons, such as retirement, work obligations, migrations, and injuries. This led to them being short by an incredible 17 players from the previous year’s squad. However, despite facing a half-time deficit of 12 points, the squad displayed a commendable fighting spirit with second half goals from Frank O’Reilly and Jamie Boyle.
Cillian O’Connor, who was summoned from the bench, scored a penalty in the 51st minute, being the 32nd championship goal of his career. Mayo now sets their gaze on their Connacht semi-final in a fortnight against Roscommon. Meanwhile, New York is keen on reorganising ahead of the Tailteann Cup.
The teams were as follows:
Mayo players included C Reape in goal; defenders J Coyne, R Brickenden, S Callinan, P Durcan (who scored 0-1), S Coen, and E McLaughlin. In midfield, D McBrien and M Ruane played, while B Tuohy, F Boland (who scored 0-1), and J Carney (who scored 0-2) formed the forward line. The forward line also included A O’Shea (who scored 0-1, and had one free throw), T Conroy, and R O’Donoghue (who scored a substantial 1-13, with 9 frees). Substitutions included C O’Connor (who scored 1-1, with a penalty), D McHale (who scored 0-1), P Towey (who scored 0-1), E Hession, M Plunkett and C Hunt.
New York’s side included J Grace in goal; defenders S Bolger, J Boyle (who scored 1-0), T O’Riordan, S Brosnan, C O’Dea, and R Wharton (who scored 0-1). Their midfield featured J Walsh, E O Conghaile, while T Mathers, F O’Reilly (who scored 1-2, including a mark), and P Lillis were the forwards. The remaining forwards were S Reilly, M Argue, and K Butler (who scored 0-2). Substitutes included L Kearney, J Ajani, I Ilunga (who replaced injured Bolger), A Loughlin Stones and M Brosnan (who scored 0-1).
The match was officiated by Referee M McNally, from Monaghan.