Mayo LGFA: Knockmore produce stunning comeback to set up final against Burrishoole

KNOCKMORE produced a stirring second-half comeback yesterday morning to book their place in the Mayo LGFA senior final, where they will meet Burrishrule in two weeks’ time.

The home side had to withstand a strong challenge from Kilmovee Shamrocks before eventually pulling clear in the closing stages, with an inspired introduction from the bench proving decisive.

It was Hannah Reape who opened the scoring, firing over after both sides had squandered early opportunities in front of goal.

Knockmore settled quickly thereafter, with Lara Sweeney opening her account before Amy O’Connor and Shauna Howley added further scores to put the hosts four points clear inside the opening quarter.

Kilmovee responded well and began to find their feet as the half progressed. Shauna Golden got them off the mark from a dead ball before the visitors drew level with eight minutes remaining in the half.

A Sinead Cafferky delivery caused problems in the Knockmore defence and Lisa Cafferky got the crucial touch to direct the ball to the net, bringing the sides level.

With the momentum now firmly behind Kilmovee, Golden struck a sensational long-range free that found the back of the net, sending the travelling support into raptures and leaving Knockmore stunned.

However, the home side refused to panic and Reape responded with a fine point after driving through the centre of the field. That left just two points between the teams at the interval, with Kilmovee holding the advantage.

Knockmore came out with renewed purpose after the restart, clearly responding to the words of their management during the break. Captain Sweeney led by example, scoring three times in succession, including one from play and two from placed balls.

Kilmovee refused to surrender their lead without a fight, though, as Golden added two more points before Sinead Cafferky also found the target. With 13 minutes remaining, the east Mayo side appeared to be in control and threatening to pull away.

That was when Knockmore turned to their bench. The introduction of Mia Traynor proved a major turning point. Her energy and pressure immediately unsettled the Kilmovee defence, and O’Connor reduced the deficit before Traynor made her mark in spectacular fashion.

The substitute won possession from two kick-outs in quick succession, setting up Sweeney and Clodagh Keane, who both found the net as Knockmore produced a devastating burst of attacking football.

With five minutes remaining, Reape was shown a yellow card, leaving Knockmore to see out the contest with 14 players. It mattered little, however, as the home side continued to dominate the closing exchanges.

Traynor added another score before Sweeney and Sarah Mulvihill also raised white flags, leaving Knockmore firmly in command by the end of normal time.

Kilmovee did manage one final response when Tori Duffy found the target, but it proved little more than a consolation.

Howley had the final say for Knockmore as the home side completed an impressive turnaround to secure their place in the senior decider.

After trailing at half-time, Knockmore's second-half response was emphatic, with their substitutes making a major impact and their captain leading from the front.

The reward is a place in the senior final against Burrishrule in two weeks' time.

Knockmore: G. Naughton; C. Burke, E. Hughes, S. Kelly; E. Reape, R. Flynn, N. McVann; S. Mulvihill (0-1), H. Reape (0-2); C. Durkan, S. Howley (0-2, 1f), S. Dempsey; A. O’Connor (0-2), C. Keane (1-0), L. Sweeney (1-5, 3f).

Subs used: M. Traynor (0-1), M. Breslin, Á. Clarke.

Kilmovee Shamrocks: M. Lavin; R. Towey, A. Horgan, S. Hanley; A.M. Regan, L. Hanley, I. Phillips; S. Cafferky (0-1), L. McHugh; K. Regan, S. Golden (1-4, 3f), L. McDonnell; T. Duffy (0-1), L. Cafferky (1-0), S. Dillon.

Subs used: L. Foley, A. Conway, E. Phillips.

Referee: K. Corcoran.