A beautiful Spring day in Abbey Park was the setting for an entertaining Sean Flanagan Cup final between Mayo Gaels and Burrishoole. The large crowd were treated to a lively and closely fought game throughout. The opening exchanges were evenly matched with two Adam Gallagher points being split by two from the West Mayo men to leave the sides level after twelve minutes. The Gaels hit the front after seventeen minutes when a through ball by Adam Gallagher was flicked to the net by Paul Walsh. Burrishoole responded well and were it not for a fine save by Paul Mannion they could have been level after twenty minutes. They reduced the Gaels lead to the minimum with two points from play before an Adam Gallagher free after Danny Burke was fouled left the home side two clear. Burrishoole pressed forward in the final minutes of the half to kick two points from play to leave them one clear at the break 1-3 to 0-7.
The Gaels started the second half brightly with a point from play by Danny Burke. Burrishoole through their dominance in the middle third took over and fired over four points in a five minutes spell to leave them 0-11 to 1-4 ahead entering the final quarter. They could have been further clear but for another fine save by Paul Mannion. To their credit the Gaels refused to die and fought back with two Danny Burke frees and an Adam Gallagher point from play to reduce the gap to one with ten left. The sides swapped points with a Burrishoole point from play and a Danny Burke free. Burrishoole showed their experience with two golden points from play after turning over Gaels possession. The Gaels pressed for an equalising goal but could only manage a Danny Burke point from play the final act of the game to leave the final score Burrishoole 0-14 Mayo Gaels 1-9.
Former Mayo player and All Star Dermot Flanagan and members of the Flanagan family were on hand to present the Cup to the Burrishoole captain David Keane. Thanks to every one who gave so generously at the gate as all proceeds of the day and last week are being donated to the Brian Keane Benefit Fund.
