Mayo champions cruise to victory over Strand Celtic in FAI Cup

Castlebar Celtic stormed into the next round of the FAI Cup with a dominant 6-1 victory over Strand Celtic at Celtic Park.

Dylan Edwards opened the scoring early, netting in the 7th minute after Castlebar Celtic took immediate control of the game.

The home side pressed relentlessly, and Mark Cunningham’s dazzling performance from wing-back was pivotal. He doubled their lead on 30 minutes with a brilliant solo effort before adding a second just before halftime, assisted by a superb through ball from Jordan Loftus.

Strand Celtic briefly fought back in the second half when Conor McKeon converted a penalty after Cunningham was penalised for a foul.

However, Castlebar Celtic quickly quashed any hopes of a comeback with a fourth goal from Brian Walsh, followed by a stunning strike from Jason Hunt to make it 5-1.

Fionn Mahon added the sixth late on, finishing neatly from close range after Cunningham set him up with another impressive run.

Full match report to follow inside Tuesday's edition of the Connaught Telegraph.