Photo: @IrishTV
As the saying goes, it’s the old dog for the hard road. The Mayo Masters confirmed that adage earlier on today up in Ballinagh when after extra-time in the All-Ireland Masters final replay, with the drawn final three weeks ago having itself gone to extra-time, they finally got the better of a valiant Cavan team, winning in the finish by 1-12 to 1-9.
It was a late, late pointed free from Kevin Filan that resulted in a stalemate outcome – on a scoreline of 0-18 to 1-15 – at Clonberne the last day. It was stalemate too at the end of normal time this afternoon, with the teams tied at 0-10 to 1-7 at that stage.
So once again it was onto extra-time where Eddie Conroy struck the decisive blow for the Mayo lads, his goal finally putting daylight between the sides. It was an advantage they held to the finish, the three-point winning margin seeing the county land its first All-Ireland title at this level since 2009. Huge congrats to them.
While we’re on the subject of handing out plaudits, it’s only right too – not least given my connections with that part of the county – to salute Aghamore’s U21s who last evening at Bekan retained the U21A county title. Five points behind against Claremorris at the break, they stormed back into it in the second half, winning in the end by 0-13 to 1-8. Well done to them on securing back-to-back county titles at this level for the club.
Well done lads! Enjoy!
Maigheo Abu
Congrats to the old boys, any title at any age is great for the county. I see RTE have passed the player of the year to nominate another player for sportsperson of the year. Total BS. Keegan was miles ahead of them all this year, specially in summer. Anyway, what can you expect from the dublin media? Not much
Dave. Don’t be one bit surprised by what RTE does. Didn’t Michael O Leary of Ryanair tell them what they are. He hit the nail on the head. And congratulations to the Grey Beards. Well done and enjoy the win. All eyes will now be on Convention in Claremorris.
From what I’ve read this new County Board is showing what can be done when the men with vision looks ahead. Long may they continue. Best wishes and Happy Christmas to one and all, and may we have the health to do it all over again in 2017. And to WJ, may you keep all the good work going.
Congratulations to the Mayo team that won’t the AI yesterday. That’s a great achievement. Also well done to Aghamore on their 2 in a row. Hope that they stay together and keep it going. I have no doubt we will see some of them feature with the Mayo seniors someday.
Top class coaching and development achievement by Aghamore to win two u21A titles in a row.
Anyone know much about young Lenehan from Charlestown, he had a stormer last night in u21b semi v Hollymount.
Scored 2-5 out of 2-15.
I was very sad to hear about the death of Willie Casey my first championship game in tuam staudiem in mid sixties Willie was the stand out player of that Mayo team Galway 3 in a row dominated that period a bit like Mayo at present still great memories of times going to see your county as a little. Lad RIP Willie
Willie Casey a real legend RIP
Willie Casey. Rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace, Willie. My first memory of Willie was not on the field but reading the Sunday Indo sports pages where the headline read if I recall it correctly, “Willie Casey is back and raring to go”. Apparently Willie had been in the US for a spell [and may have got a suspension for playing there without sanction]. My young mind concluded that Willie must be “some man”. I found out later that my young mind was not wrong. One story I heard much later concerned a Connacht Junior Final v Leitrim where Willie was marking one Tommy O’Riordan, Leitrim Co Sec at the time. Late in the game with the sides level a long ball came in their direction, Riordan, who was behind Willie, shouted “Let it go, Willie”. Willie, thinking the call was from a team mate, let it go and Riordan goaled – and stayed well out of Willie’s reach for the rest of the match. Leitrim won the game on the strenght of that goal
Congrats to our Over 40’s. For their committment and enthusism all Over 40’s should be getting medals, never mind the winners. Most of them are committed to coaching and training of young players as well as playing. Yet they only get grudging toleration from the Crokke Park authorities. Time for them to get concerted motions to Co Conventions to rectify that situation.
Congrats also to Aughamore. Two in a row” A” championships is a huge achievement for a rural club. Not only that but they are the heartland of Mayo hurling for the past 60 years.
Thanks for sharing that Andy. Its great hearing stories like that
Rest in peace Willie Casey, a bright light from days past have gone out,
Deepest sympathy to Regina and family on the death of Willie Casey, the most stylish full back I ever saw playing, equally proficient with his left and right boot from the ground or his hands. I played against him in a street league game – he was playing for United – in Ballina in the late 1950s and he left me with aching ribs from a thunderous but fair tackle.
A very clean player, I think the only time he was sent off was in a game against Dublin in Croke Park in the 1960s. I was working with the Western People at the time and Willie told me afterwards that the Dublin forward he was marking – I won’t mention his name – had spat in his face and he automatically drew out. Joe Sherwood, then a sports columnist with the Evening Press, later used my piece to clarify what had happened. But that’s water under the bridge now.
It was only in the last few years that Willie -along with Dr Mick Loftus – belatedly got his All-Ireland medal for being a sub on the 1951 team.
Heartiest congratulations to the county’s latest all Ireland champions. A wonderful achievement to a talented bunch of lads. Such a disgrace that our own county board (and the national media in general) fail to acknowledge this great win. Not even a tweet before, during or after the game from the Mayo Gaa Twitter page. So ironic for a county that isn’t overrun with Celtic crosses. Well done again to players, management and back room team.
A hearty well done to the Masters team. Of all the competitions that were on this year, I didn’t make it to a single game unfortunately – I just couldn’t – but I would have loved to be there on Saturday. I am so delighted for them, particularly given their status within the GAA which I think is a travesty – and I couldn’t agree more with you on that AndyD.
Lovely to read of some of the stories about Willie Casey. I didn’t know him personally but know well loved and respected he was here in these parts. Rest in peace.