Mayo JFC: Heneghan hat trick helps Shrule/Glencorrib advance

Stephen Heneghan’s hat trick of goals proved the major difference as Shrule/Glencorrib secured their place in the Mayo GAA Treanlaur Catering Exclusive Junior Football Championship semi-finals with a 5-14 to 1-15 victory over Northern Gaels, writes Eoin Horkan.

With a strong breeze at their backs in the opening half, Shrule/Glencorrib made a bright start, Evan Cawley registering two early two-pointers inside the opening 10 minutes.

Northern Gaels responded with a goal from Ruairí McDonnell, but the home side soon took control. Heneghan and Luke Lydon both found the net during a dominant second quarter, while Cawley continued to add to the scoreboard.

Shrule/Glencorrib went into the interval with a comfortable 3-10 to 1-6 advantage.

Despite Northern Gaels having the benefit of the wind after the restart, Shrule/Glencorrib extended their lead when corner-back Joe Hughes got forward to fire home an early second-half goal.

Northern Gaels refused to give up and began to make better use of the conditions. Tommy Clarke and Marc Munnelly were particularly effective, landing a number of two-pointers as the visitors reduced the deficit.

However, Shrule/Glencorrib remained in control and any hopes of a late Northern Gaels comeback were ended when Heneghan completed his hat trick with 10 minutes remaining.

The final whistle confirmed Shrule/Glencorrib’s passage to the county junior semi-final after a performance built around their first-half dominance and clinical finishing in front of goal.

*See Tuesday's print edition for more on the game