Defeat for Mayo camogie team in first round fixture

Louth’s penchant for three-pointers proved crucial as the visitors to Adrian Freeman Memorial Park recorded a 4-8 to 1-8 victory against Mayo in the All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship.

This round one fixture began at a hectic pace and Louth snatched a goal inside the first minute courtesy of the poaching Aoife McCabe.

Mayo were under pressure and their custodian Grainne Robinson had to be alert to deny Gemma Murray a second goal for the visitors.

The green and red had the aid of a strong wind during the first half and the elements played a part in the opening goal of the game on 27 minutes, as Tooreen’s Cathy Greally saw her speculative strike end up in the back of the net.

Mayo led 1-3 to 1-1 at the interval, however, the hosts game plan suffered a set-back during the opening two minutes of the second half, as Louth’s Aoife Gregory plundered 1-1.

The red and white seemed to be making better use of the wind, compared to their hosts in the first half, and when Gemma Murray netted a third goal for the Leinster outfit on 38 minutes, Mayo faced a tough task as they trailed 3-3 to 1-3.

Niamh Kennedy played a starring role for Mayo and the industrious midfielder landed a point towards the end of the third quarter.

A gallant Mayo continued to battle and singles from Amy Murray and Róisín Toland reduced the deficit to just four points after 50 minutes, 3-5 to 1-7.

Nevertheless, Louth were not to be outdone and a late goal from their wing-forward Murray helped secure the victory for her team-mates.