Manulla and Kiltimagh/Knock claim league titles

THE phrase ‘Friday night lights’ took on a whole new meaning as the champions of both League 1 and League 2 were confirmed in dramatic fashion in the Mayo Women’s League.

Despite being held to a draw, Manulla claimed the League One title after a 2-2 draw with old rivals Castlebar Town.

Goals from Jessica Nolan and Sadhbh Larkin gave Manulla a two-nil lead at half-time. Castlebar Town drew level through Kirsten Sheeran and Roisin Lally but Manulla held on for the point they needed to be crowned league champions.

They will do it all again this Sunday in the inaugural Rumley Cup final at 3 p.m in Solar 21 Park.

In a playoff in Concannon Park, Claremorris, Kiltimagh Knock fought off a brave comeback from Ballinrobe Town to be crowned League 2 champions on a scoreline of three goals to two.

A brace from Shauna Golden put KK two up at half-time only for Ballinrobe to be level within ten minutes of the second half through Mairéad Seoighe and Elyse Brauwer.

KK scored the winner in the 67th minute after a clever finish from Shona Mahon. Ballinrobe pushed hard to level matters once more but KK held on to win their first silverware since establishing a women's team three years ago.

Ballinrobe Town will have to regroup and now prepare for the Mary Walsh Cup final against Swinford this Sunday at 12 p.m., which will also be played at Solar 21 Park.