North Mayo club crowned champions after dramatic under-14 (A) county final

Ardnaree Sarsfields defeated Ballintubber 1-16 to 3-7 after extra-time to claim a coveted Under-14 (A) Championship title, at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

This was an epic contest from start to finish and the sides were level at 0-4 apiece after the opening 30 minutes.

Ardnaree made a lively start to the second half and notched two early points from the influential Hugh Kennedy, but the north Mayo side’s game plan suffered a set-back on 34 minuets when Ballintubber were awarded a penalty. Kyne Nally was coolness personified from the spot-kick, and this mustered a one-point lead for the white and red. Two minutes later, Ballintubber added a second goal when the raiding Eoin Flatley rustled the back of the net, and this helped garner a 2-4 to 0-6 lead for his team-mates.

However, Ardnaree refused to wilt, and the green and gold’s game plan received a boost on 41 minutes when Riaín McLoughlin palmed home a close-range effort to the back of Sean Fahey’s net.

Just when it appeared that Ardnaree were about to launch a strong comeback, Ballintubber were awarded their second penalty of the evening on 45 minutes, with Lally once again dependable from the spot-kick.

Trailing 3-5 to 1-6, Ardnaree faced an uphill task, but spurred on by their vocal supporters the north Mayo side launched an incredible rally. Alex Mackey’s point on the stroke of full-time for the chasers levelled matters at 1-11 to 3-5 and extra-time was required to determine a winner.

Ardnaree were in a buoyant mood for extra-time and points during the first 10-minute period from Lackey (3) and Kennedy, ensured a 1-15 to 3-6 half-time lead for the green and gold.

Ballintubber tried their utmost to draw level during the second 10-minute period, and they almost snatched a late goal, however, Eoin Flatley’s effort was brilliantly saved by Archie Mulherin in the Sarsfields goal and Ardnaree held on to claim the spoils.