Mayo minors edge Dublin in thriller

MAYO minor footballers qualified for the All-Ireland semi-final following their two-point victory over Dublin in a thrilling contest played in Longford this afternoon. 

Final score: Mayo 5-12, Dublin 2-19.

Playing with the advantage of a slight breeze, Mayo were the better side in the opening half and fully deserved their two-goal interval lead - 2-8 to 0-8, the Mayo goals coming from Paul Walsh and Ciaran Mylett.

A third Mayo goal just three minutes after the resumption from Ethan Henry made it look as if Tomas Morley's charges would go on and win the game easily.

However, Dublin hit back in style and although Ruairi Keane got a fourth Mayo goal in the 48th minute, they were pegged back by Dublin who indeed led by one with seven minutes remaining.

A fifth Mayo goal by Rory Morrin put Mayo back in front and they held on for a very narrow win after Dublin threw everything at them in the closing moments.

Mayo scorers: F. Irwin 0-5, C. Mylett 1-1, R. Keane 1-1, E. Henry 1-1, P. Walsh 1-1, R. Morrin 1-0, D. Thornton 0-3.