Intermediate team lose championship game. Mayo Gaels 0-6 Belmullet 1-9

A lack of scoring power that saw them register only one point from play cost our intermediate in their championship second round game with Belmullet at Abbey Park on Sunday afternoon. The blustery conditions resulted in a poor standard game with Belmullet being flattered by a six point win on a final score line of 0-6 to 1-9. The Gaels had the elements in the first half and started brightly with three Danny Burke frees in the opening eight minutes giving them a three point lead. Danny won all three frees himself and converted with ease. That was as good as it got for the Gaels with Belmullet taking over for the remainder of the half. The Gaels goal lead a charmed existence in the next few minutes with Belmullet having three goal chances including two that came off the post. They kicked three points from play to level, two of the points coming from Gaels turning over possession. They then took control of the game through a soft goal after twenty two minutes. They also added another point from play to leave them five clear. A Mallie Byrne free on the stroke of half time left the score 0-4 to 1-5 in favour of the Erris men.

The second half was a totally forgettable affair with both team making a series of mistakes. Belmullet kicked a point from play after thirty five minutes to stretch their lead to five. How scrappy the game became in the next twenty minutes was reflected by the fact the neither side troubled the score board. There was brief hope for the Gaels when Neill McGurrin kicked the Gaels only score from play with a point with three minutes of normal time left to narrow the gap to four. Basic mistakes by the Gaels allowed Belmullet close out the game in injury time with a free and a point from play. Danny Burke had the final say in a poor game with another free to leave the final score 0-6 to 1-9.

With Bonnicolon being beaten by Kiltimagh this defeat consigns the Gaels to the relegation battle. The face Kiltimagh in the final group game on the weekend of August 8th.

Mayo Gaels team: Cathal Vahey, Noel Quinn, Adrian Heneghan, Anthony Byrne, Naill Brett, Bryan Adams, Noel Morris, Sean Boyle, Jonathan Morrin, Kevin Brett, Mallie Byrne (0-1, 1f), Neil McGurrin (0-1), Damien Quinn, Danny Burke (0-4, 4f), Jonathan Griffin. Subs. Allyn Brett for Noel Morris, Joe Gilroy for Kevin Brett, Michael O’Gara for Sean Boyle.