Ryan O'Donoghue scored 1-5 as Belmullet beat Westport 2-7 to 0-9 in Ballina yesterday to qualify for their first Mayo SFC final since 1981.

The county star's goal came deep into stoppage-time as the North Mayo side set up a final showdown with holders Knockmore, who defeated Garrymore in the other semi-final on Saturday.

A fancied Westport suffered an early setback when Lee Keegan was black-carded for pulling down O'Donoghue, who posted the first two points from frees. Belmullet went on to lead by 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time before Pat Lambert levelled shortly after the restart.

The winners hit back with the opening goal from half-time sub Marty Boylan, only for Westport to rally with four unanswered points, including two from Colm Moran, to take the lead. O'Donoghue equalised just before the second water break and it remained in the balance until the Belmullet talisman netted in the dying moments to seal a famous win.

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