Storming finish gives intermediate team third league win. Knockmore 0-10 Mayo Gaels 2-10
An amazing finish in which they scored 2-3 in the final seven minutes gave our intermediate team a six point win away to Knockmore on Saturday evening. This result looked far from likely for long periods of the game, especially in the first half when Knockmore totally dominated and lead 0-9 to 0-2 at half time.
Knockmore had two points on the board inside the first two minutes one from play and one from a free. Barry Commons responded for the Gaels after a great run to kick a point from play after three minutes. Knockmore restored their two point lead with two points from play before a Danny Burke free proved to be the final Gaels score of the half. Knockmore took over at midfield and converted their dominance with five points in a row, three from frees and two from play to leave them seven clear at half time 0-9 to 0-2. A six point victory seemed a remote possibility for the Gaels at half time.
Sean Boyle got the second half off to a good start for the Gaels with a fine catch and run to kick a great point from play. Knockmore responded immediately with a point from play for their final score of the game. The Gaels struggled to find any rhythm during the next fifteen minutes but chipped away at the home side’s lead to keep themselves in contention. Danny Burke started the ball rolling with a good score from play. Damien Quinn then showed his experience and landed two fine scores from play. Danny Burke won and converted a great free to put the Gaels within one score of Knockmore 0-10 to 0-7.
Damien Quinn showed great leadership and used all his experience to win a free that Danny Burke converted after fifty three minutes. A good run by Sean Boyle resulted in a wonderful Danny Burke point on the run from play. The Gaels had a chance to level the game but Danny Burke’s free looked to be heading wide until the relocated James Fallon stretched to palm the ball towards the goal which was saved by the Knockmore goalie but Damien Quinn reacted quickest to tap the ball to the net to open a two point lead 0-10 to 1-9. Suddenly the Gaels were a transformed team and started playing with great confidence. Fine work by Sean Boyle resulted in a free that was again converted by Danny Burke to leave the Gaels three clear. Knockmore pushed forward in search of the equalising goal but the Gaels defence held firm. Barry Commons broke forward to setup Damien Quinn for a great point from play. The Gaels sealed the game when Damien Quinn and James Fallon used all their years of experience to combine for a palmed goal by Fallon after sixty minutes. The final few minutes were played out with Knockmore pressing for a late goal without any joy.
The Gaels were best served by Anthony Byrne, Noel Quinn, Barry Commons, Sean Boyle, Danny Burke and Damien Quinn.
Mayo Gaels team: Cathal Vahey, Noel Morris, Anthony Byrne, Noel Quinn, Adrian Heneghan, Jonathan Morrin, Barry Commons (0-1), Sean Boyle (0-1), James Fallon (1-0), Damien Quinn (1-3), Danny Burke (0-5, 3f), Niall Brett, Mallie Byrne, Jonathan Griffin, Mark Nally. Subs. Kevin Brett for Mark Nally.
