Sarsfields soar to new heights in rampant final display

ARDNAREE Sarsfields weren't going to let this one slip away. Bar a nervy opening 10 minutes, they were always in control of today's Breaffy House Resort JFC final against Killala and the final scoreline of 6-14 to 0-07 illustrates just how much.

It was almost a done deal by half-time in Elverys MacHale Park as the Ballina-based side were 2-08 to 0-04 ahead, Chris Walsh and Cathal Noone with the goals, but previous final defeats meant Ardnaree supporters weren't getting over-exciting with the lead.

But the first score of the second half was a third goal, Eoin McCormack fisting the ball to the net from Noone's low-trajectory free, and you could almost sense the relief among players and supporters, not to mention the deflation among those in the Killala camp.

Ardnaree went on to add another 3-06 to just 0-03 in reply, Walsh, Noelie Beattie and man of the match Ronan Doherty with the goals, bringing to an end a wait since 1971 for a county junior crown.

“It's not often that a team loses four finals and comes back and wins it the fifth time,” said manager Declan O'Dea after the game. “They had the choice this year: to be remembered as four-time losers or would they come out and win it. I'm delighted for them in that respect.”

Ardnaree now go on to represent Mayo in the Connaught junior championship, and on the evidence of today's display they have a good chance of adding that title to the county crown.