Castlebar Town defeat reigning champions to win Mayo Women's Cup

IT took extra time to decide the destiny of the Mayo Women's Cup in the final played under lights at Celtic Park last night.

In a thrilling game, an Ava Keane goal in the second half of extra time proved the difference between Castlebar Town and Manulla, as the county town team took the honours.

They fought back twice from going a goal behind and as the second half played out, continuously probed a stern Manulla defence. Their opponents too were threatening on their regular forays forward.

Sadhbh Larkin opened the scoring for Manulla on 21 minutes, with Roisin Kelly equalising seven minutes later. Holders Manulla, who edged the first half, went into half-time in the ascendency when Lauren McLellan struck a thundering free-kick into the net around the half hour mark.

Castlebar Town stepped it up a level in the second half and with 20 minutes left in normal time, Saoirse Mahon popped in a levelling goal, the delivery coming from a corner.

The battling Ava Keane ultimately sealed the win for Town with a stunning score.

Castlebar Town captain Amy Dowling was named player of the match, receiving this award and the cup from Diana Hopkins of the Mayo Women's League (pictured above).

* Full report and photos in Tuesday's print edition