Garrymore knockout Crossmolina to join Castlebar Mitchels in Mayo SFC semi-finals

Garrymore's Eoin McGreal on duty with Mayo ©INPHO/James Crombie

Castlebar Mitchels were the first side to book their place in the Mayo senior football championship semi-finals after a 0-19 to 1-10 win over Aghamore yesterday.

The 31-time champions showed their attacking quality throughout and gradually pulled clear of an Aghamore side that had topped their group.

Mitchels led 0-13 to 0-5 at half-time, with James Durcan and Paddy Durcan among those leading the scoring charge. James Durcan finished with four points, including a two-pointer, while his brother Paddy contributed three.

Aghamore needed a fast start after the break and Conal Hession’s goal eight minutes into the second-half gave them hope, cutting the gap to five points.

However, Castlebar remained composed, with Bob Tuohy and Ultan O’Reilly influential around midfield and Donnacha McHugh, John MacMonagle and Sean Morahan helping to keep Aghamore at bay.

Fergal Boland’s late two-pointer briefly reduced the deficit, but Castlebar responded with scores from Rory Beirne, James Durcan and O’Reilly to close out a convincing six-point victory.

The other quarter-final clash in the Paddy Moclair Cup race yesterday saw Garrymore edging out Crossmolina Deel Rovers by 0-14 to 0-12.

The teams could not be separated at half-time, with the scoreboard reading 0-7 apiece, before Garrymore established a three-point cushion in the third quarter.

Crossmolina responded in the closing stages and moved 0-12 to 0-11 ahead thanks to the scores of Kobe McDonald and Fionan Duffy (free).

Garrymore refused to panic, however, as Eoin McGreal brought them level before Mark Gibbons and Cathal Slattery landed the scores that ultimately sent them through to the semis.

The remaining Mayo SFC quarter-finals take place this afternoon, with Breaffy hosting Westport (1pm) before Claremorris welcome Belmullet (3.30pm).