1999 Mayo Junior Football Final

Belmullet 2-11 Kilmaine 0-10

Belmullet bridged a 26 year gap when they decisively beat Kilmaine in the final of the 1999 Mayo Junior Football championship, which was played in MacHale Park.

The early exchanges were even as both sides enjoyed periods of dominance, and Belmullet led by a point after 25 minutes. Three late points from Michael Gaynard, Ciaran Lavelle and Stephen Carolan pushed the Erris men into a 0-7 to 0-3 half-time lead.

An early second-half goal from Alan Flynn pushed the Belmullet lead out. Points from Andrew Casey and Pat Kelly reduced the deficit, before Stephen Carolan directed a long free into the net, and gave his side a nine point lead, and seemed to have put the result beyond doubt. However Kilmaine now enjoyed their best spell in the game, and points from Andrew Casey with 2, David Loughlin, Ollie Walsh and Brian Maloney reduced the deficit to four, and had the South Mayo men back in contention. However Belmullet surged again, and late points from Andrew Howard, Alan Flynn and Ciaran Lally left them seven clear at the end, and holders of the Pete McDonnell Cup for the second time.

On their way to the final, Belmullet overcame Ardnaree in the North Mayo Junior Final, and Kilmovee Shamrocks in the County semi-final.

Referee: Jack Keane (Castlebar)

Belmullet: Donal Shevlin; Martin McIntyre; Cathal Healy; Kieran Conroy; Pat Monaghan; Tadgh Quinn; Ger Lavelle; John Sweeney (Capt); Michael Gaynard; Brian Lynch; Ciaran Lavelle; Ciaran Lally; Alan Flynn; Stephen Carolan; Andrew Howard.

Subs: Dessie Heffron for K Conroy; Padraig Shevlin; Willie Sullivan; P J Monaghan; Derek McDonnell; Kenneth Flaherty; Leonard Shevlin; Billy Joe Padden; Liam Lavelle; Michael Gilroy; Raymond Barrett; Tony McDonnell, Michael S Togher and Declan Sweeney.

Manager: Liam Donoghue

Selectors: Marty Lynch; John Shevlin; Micksie Barrett.