The Gaels needed to start the second half strongly but the opposite happened as Cill Chomain took over in the middle of the field and kicked three points from play in the opening ten minutes to leave them six clear 0-3 to 0-9. Only one result seemed possible at this stage and indeed their was a real danger of a hammering. Credit to the Gaels lads as they refused to drop their heads and battled to get themselves back into contention. Danny Burke kicked his first score of the day from a free after he was fouled. He then added a fine score from play. Lively sub Adam Gallagher finished off a fine run with a neat point from play to reduce the gap to three. Cill Chomain leaders emerged at a crucial time with midfielder James McAndrew making a fine run through the middle and kicking a superb point from play. Their lively corner forward Declan Sweeney added their final point as it seemed as the Erris men would close out the game. Once again the Gaels responded with another fine run by Adam Gallagher to setup Danny Burke to leave four between the sides 0-7 to 0-11. With eight minutes remaining the Gaels got a break when Niall Brett was fouled and ref Mel Kenny stretched his hands to signal a penalty. As the stand held its breath Adrian Heneghan stepped forward and was very unlucky to see his effort rebound off the crossbar to be cleared to safety. The Gaels battled to land the final two points of the game with scores from play by Adam Gallagher and Neil McGurrin but they eventually ran out of time. They should take heart from their second half performance when they showed they were as good as Cill Chomain when they decided to play. They face Kilmeena away in the second round on the weekend of July 2nd.
Mayo Gaels team: Paul Mannion, Noel Quinn, Anthony Byrne, Kevin Brett, Allyn Brett, Adrian Heneghan, Martin Connor, Jonathan Morrin, Paul Walsh, Neil McGurrin (0-1), Shane Vahey, Kevin Lynch, Mally Byrne (0-3, 1f) Daniel Burke (0-3, 1f), Jonathan Griffin. Subs. Niall Brett for Kevin Lynch, Adam Gallagher (0-2) for Shane Vahey.
