Mayo Young Sports Stars: Shooting her club to county glory

Burrishoole made history in 2022 as they ended a 64-year wait for a first senior football title, with the ladies defeating reigning champions Knockmore to win the Mayo LGFA senior title.

The year began with them winning the Division 1 league title after beating Carnacon. Despite a heavy defeat to the same opposition in their opening group game of the senior championship, they responded brilliantly by beating Moy Davitts and Hollymount before accounting for neighbours Westport in a tight semi-final.

It was even closer against Knockmore in the final but Maria Cannon, who kicked six points of their 1-10 against Westport and all but two of their scores against Knockmore, etched her name in folklore as she held her nerve to kick the match- and championship-winning free.

She also kicked seven points as they beat Glencar-Manorhamilton to reach the Connacht senior final, which ended in defeat to eventual All-Ireland champions Kilkerrin/Clonberne.

Her performances throughout 2022 saw her called up to Mayo senior team for 2023, and resulted in a Connaught Telegraph Young Sports Star of the Year Award.

That award will be presented to the Burrishoole star at the awards ceremony on Friday evening in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.