Mayo make long trip for Oscar opener

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

The Mayo League’s representative senior side will make the trek to Letterkenny to take on the Donegal League in their opening game of the 2011 Oscar Traynor Trophy on Sunday. Michael Hutton will be once again in charge of the Mayo League side, and the Claremorris manager will be hoping to guide his side out of a tricky group that also includes the Sligo/Leitrim League and the Innishowen League. Mayo warmed up for this weekend’s game with a game away to the Roscommon League a few weeks ago. In a fortnight’s time Mayo will host the Sligo/Leitrim League in the second round of the competition, before finishing up with another long away trip to the Innishowen League on a date yet to be fixed.

Connacht need to find cup form to take Treviso scalp

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

Connacht face a tricky assignment against Benetton Treviso on Saturday (5pm) at the Galway Sportsground, but one they are expected to win. Coach Eric Elwood knows both sides will be targeting this latest Pro 12 fixture which, he says, will ensure Connacht need to be at their best if they want to grab a third victory.

Big day out for special Olympians in Mayo

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

A very successful motor activities training programme event took place on the end of October in Aras Attracta, Swinford. Nineteen athletes in total took part from all over Mayo and Sligo. The participating athletes were from Ballyhaunis Training Centre, Swinford Special Olympics Club, and Ridgepool from Mayo, and Aoibhneass and Gníomhlann from Sligo. Connie Murrin from Gníomhlann in Sligo recited the Athlete's Oath on the day: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Double Mayo representation in the world lifesaving championships

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

Two of Mayo’s finest competitive swimmers and exponents of life saving skills will be representing Ireland in the World Surf Lifesaving Championships in Adelaide, Australia, next month.

More international honours for Mayo athletes

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

After John Byrne's international success in the World Trophy 50k in Italy recently, three of Mayo AC's top women athletes have been selected on the Irish team to compete in the 25th Annual British and Irish Masters International Cross Country in Belfast on November 10.

The Neale bask in their first taste of glory

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

I was in the Neale last Sunday morning for an u15 semi-final and there, taking pride of place, was the Pete Mc Donnell junior cup sitting on top of the gated entrance to the field. There were many gravelly, tired sounding, voices in the small compact stand, which is very understandable considering this was their first and only adult title of their 110 year history and no doubt a long night of celebrations had taken place.

These supporters were gushing with pride for their local heroes who pulled off a sensational victory the previous evening. You could visibly see what it meant to one and all. The Neale is a beautiful village and you can see that great pride is taken in keeping it looking its best. But this proud club has not taken its eye off the ball when it comes to matters football. The Neale have placed a lot of faith in their current team and the victory is a reward for the regeneration of their underage structures over the last number of years.

€10,000 fine handed down to Mayo by Connacht Council

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

The Connacht Council has handed the down a €10,000 fine to Mayo GAA for their failure to take part in the away final of Connacht FBD League. The final was due to take place on Sunday October 7 against New York in the US city, two weeks after Mayo had played in the All Ireland final against Donegal in Croke Park.

Winter season sets across clubs in the county

Fri, Nov 02, 2012

Ballyhaunis
In last weekend’s Agri Spread sponsored competition, Anthony Cunnane was the winner of the gents’ section with a score of 42pts, thanks to his back nine play. The ladies’ competition was won by Jenny Glynn who scored 35pts over her 18 holes.

Byrne comes fifth in the world

Fri, Oct 26, 2012

John Byrne, representing Ireland finished in fifth place in the IAU World Trophy 50k race in Italy last Saturday morning. In very hot conditions and a strong sea breeze, finishing times were down. Participants completed eight laps of the 6.25km course at the coastal towns of Vallecrosia and Bordigheria. The race was won by British athlete Steven Way in 2:54, as the top three broke the three hour mark. John finished in 3:10, a brilliant effort by Mayo AC’s ultra man. In the early stages he ran in group of four in eighth place, including Daniel Oralek (Czech), a former World 100k winner. As the temperature hit 25c he moved into sixth place after 16 miles, and fifth after 20. “It was a battle for survival from then on,” said John. Although he dropped back to sixth with four laps to go, a typical gritty finish by the Straide man saw him gain fifth again which he sustained to the line after 31.1 miles of running.

Back to the basics for Connacht

Fri, Oct 26, 2012

Connacht return to RaboDirect Pro 12 action keen to continue their recent form against the Ospreys on Saturday evening in Wales. After two strong performances against both Zebre and Harlequins, it is essential Connacht maintain their momentum to get vital league points on the board. Elwood is expected to make changes for their visit to Swansea, and it is likely former South African Stormer Danie Poolman will finally make his first start for the province. Polman returned to training this week having returned from a week in Germany where he underwent treatment on his hamstring. His presence will be a welcome boost to the side, particularly with doubts over the fitness of Eoin Griffin who has been carrying an ankle injury. While a number of players are carrying knocks and bruisees, definately out of action are Andrew Browne, Gavin Duffy, Matt Healy, Mark McCrea, Paul O’Donohoe, Ethienne Reynecke and Kyle Tonetti.

County finals fail to live up to expectation

Fri, Oct 26, 2012

It was predicted that the sun would be high in the sky last Sunday and so it proved. It was a glorious autumnal day for county finals and a magnificent crowd turned up at McHale Park to see what would hopefully be two action-packed encounters. However, and not for the first time, the fare on offer did not live up to the billing. I was sitting back in glorious sunshine for the County junior final in good time. What struck me immediately on entering the stadium was the fantastic crowd that turned out for the games.

I was hoping the Neale would win the junior final for a few reasons. I know three of the team reasonably well as they were members of Mayo u21 squad that I had managed a number of years ago. This, coupled with the fact that they have never won a title at senior grade, meant that most neutrals, myself included, were not going to be disappointed if they won it. It ended in a draw however and they (the Neale) may live to regret the fact that they could not close out the game. The score was level at the end, but a scoreboard does not always portray the facts of the match just played. You might think the drawn game was full of excitement and end to end action. Alas not this one. The Neale found themselves leading by two points close to the end of the game and luckily I would suggest, as I felt Ardnaree were slightly the better team. Ardnaree were not smart enough to close the deal either in the final few minutes. I think both sides will be disappointed with the way they performed. It was an error-ridden game that never really ignited at any time. I fancy Ardnaree to win the replay tomorrow evening.

Doherty given a hero’s welcome home

Fri, Oct 26, 2012

Rice College student Con Doherty marked himself out as a future triathlon star on the world stage last Sunday when he claimed the bronze medal at the World Championship Series Finals event at the ITU Junior Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. The 17-year-old was just pipped at the line by Simon Viain from France for second place, he was also just 14 seconds behind the winner Wian Sullwald from South Africa. Doherty was given a hero’s welcome home on Tuesday afternoon in Westport where hundreds of people including huge number of students turned out to greet the bronze medalist at the Octagon in the town.

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