Electric Ireland Celtic Challenge Hurling Championship– Round 2 Match Report

Mayo power home with aid of strong breeze

Mayo 1-14

Donegal 1-08

 

Mayo had to come from behind to win this hugely entertaining and competitive Electric Ireland U17 hurling championship encounter at blustery Convoy in Donegal on Saturday afternoon. The home side started the better and with Corey Sheridan landing some sublime points from play and frees the Tir Chonaill men took an early lead. The strong breeze aiding Donegal meant Mayo had to defend staunchly in the opening quarter and that they did with gusto. Once the visitors settled corner forward David Delaney reeled in the home side with an excellent point from play before Oisin Duffy drove forward to leave two between the sides 0-04 to 0-02 on the ten minute mark. Donegal pushed further ahead when Johnny Lin and Liam Doogan landed good scores from play before Delaney replied once again from a free for Mayo. Former Mayo and Westport player Caolán O’Reilly caused problems for his former team mates early on, winning some good pocession on the edge of the small square but the vital scores Donegal badly needed with the strong breeze at their back never materialised. Mayo centre-back Matthew Delaney, wing backs Cian Fahy and James Curran and the hard working midfield duo of Oisin Duffy and Eoin Enright closed down attack after attack when Donegal were on top. Two super goals arrived before the short whistle with Donegal pouncing first when the outstanding Corey Sheridan sent a pile-driver to the back of the Mayo net. Sheridan, O’Reilly, Eoin McDaid, Fionn O’Riordan and Kyron McColgan were all involved in the slick move before Sheridan swiveled and drove a low bullet to the back of Liam Heneghan’s net. Donegal led 1-06 to 0-03 with five minutes to play before man-of-the-match David Delaney drove at the home side before riffling a bullet into the Donegal net. Delaney slipped back two defenders before unleashing a low shot that flew into the corner of the Donegal net. That score was vital for the visitors as it lifted their spirits as they headed for the dressing rooms. The second half was nip and tuck early on with Sheridan again pushing Donegal four in front before Mayo rattled off five magnificent points in ten minutes to take the lead for the first time. Fionn Delaney landed three, two from play with centre forward Niall Peoples also hitting two great scores from way out the field. Donegal to their credit never buckled and two further points from wing forward Corey Sheridan kept them in the game. Mayo however had their dander up at this stage and headed for home with ten minutes still on the clock. Oisin Duffy, substitute Aaron Harcourt, Niall Peoples and Fionn Delaney continued to torment the under pressure Donegal rear-guard with magical scores from play. The strong breeze aided their efforts in the second half, but it was Mayo’s winning mentality and determination to take the points home that was the deciding factor at the finish. This game was played in a wonderful spirit with both teams showcasing some delightful skill, teamwork and scoring. Mayo and Donegal now have one win each in the competition and going on todays performance it is very likely that they will lock horns again in the later stages of the competition.

Mayo

Liam Heneghan, Marc Munnelly, Conor Loftus, Cillian Curley, James Curran, Matthew Delaney, Cian Fahy, Oisin Duffy (0-02), Eoin Enright, Michael Finan, Niall Peoples (0-04), Kevin Rowland, Fionn Delaney (0-05), Dylan Quinn, David Delaney (1-02).

Subs used: Eoin Murray and Aaron Harcourt (0-01)

 

Donegal:

Fionn McNulty, Shay Bradley, Ryan Browne, Shay Devlin, Jack Dooher, Kyron McColgan, Fionn O’Riordan, Eoin McDaid, Johnny Lin, Liam Doogan, Corey Sheridan (1-06), Shay Winters, Devlin McColgan, Caolán O’Reilly, Joe Gibbions

Subs used: Dylan Patten, Pierce Mc Conalogue, Daithí Sheerin, Ryan Grannell, Ruairí Bradley, Rhys McGrory, Anton O’Loughlin.