Monaghan edge out Mayo in frosty charity clash

Monaghan secured a narrow 1-16 to 1-14 victory over Mayo in Castlebar in the first game of the 2025 campaign, played under the lights in wintry conditions.

The match, doubling as a charity fixture for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, also introduced supporters to the GAA’s new rules for the first time.

Kevin McStay’s Mayo, featuring a heavily rotated starting 15 and struggled with early inefficiency in front of goal, while Monaghan took full advantage.

Sean Jones and Michael Hamill were among the early scorers as the visitors edged ahead. However, Ryan O’Donoghue’s goal in the 14th minute swung the momentum towards Mayo, pushing them into a 1-3 to 0-3 lead.

Cian McHale impressed with a fine point in his Mayo debut, but Monaghan refused to relent.

Andrew Woods and Sean Jones kept the scoreboard ticking before a crucial goal from Hamill just before the break saw Monaghan take control at halftime, leading 1-11 to 1-6.

Mayo fought back bravely in the second half despite their wastefulness in attack.

Scores from Diarmaid Duffy, Paul Towey, and Finbar McLaughlin kept them within touching distance.

Goalkeeper John Vahey produced a key save to deny Monaghan’s Darragh Treanor, but a slew of wides hindered Mayo’s comeback effort.

Dylan Prendergast’s late point brought the sides level at 1-14 apiece, setting up a dramatic finish.

However, Monaghan’s Oisin McGorman struck twice in quick succession to restore their lead.

A final Mayo goal chance went begging when Diarmaid Duffy lost his footing in the worsening conditions, leaving the home side two points short at the final whistle.