Davitts and Moy Davitts met in the County U-16 championship 2 semi-final and they served up a thrilling hour’s football with the Ballindine/Irishtown boys coming out on top, 1-16 to 2-11, in Ballyhaunis on Tuesday evening. Moy Davitts edged the first half and they led by 2-6 to 0-8 at halftime. They extended their lead to six points in the opening minutes of the second half but Davitts refused to lie down. Superb points by Cathal Hennelly (2), Michael Clarke, Gerard Griffin and Liam Noone (2) had Davitts back in the game, before the game’s crucial score came with ten minutes remaining. A terrific blockdown by Dylan Keadin started off the move which was continued by Padraig Mangan, William Freeley, Tommy Waldron and Liam Noone, who passed it on to Hennelly, who was causing havoc in the Moy Davitts defence in the second half. He shot from 20 metres to the top corner of the net for a goal worthy to win any game. Moy Davitts scored two points to level it again but two further scores from Gerard Griffin and Liam Noone sent Davitts through to the final. Fair play to Moy Davitts for playing their part in a terrific game, played at a ferocious pace throughout.

Everyone played their part in this Davitts victory but deserving of special mention are William Freeley who had a blinder at midfield, Donal Ronayne, sub Dylan Higgins and the entire forwardline of Michael Clarke, Tommy Waldron, Matthew Trench, Cathal Hennelly, Liam Noone and Gerard Griffin.

Davitts team: Michael Mangan, Dylan Keadin, Thomas Charles, John Huane, Jonathon Fahy, Padraig Mangan, Shane Cummins, Donal Ronayne, William Freeley, Michael Clarke (0-3), Tommy Waldron (0-1), Matthew Trench (0-3), Cathal Hennelly (1-2), Liam Noone (0-5), Gerard Griffin (0-2). Sub used: Dylan Higgins.

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Davitts qualified for the Intermediate Championship semi-final after grinding out a win over Kilmaine in Hollymount on Saturday evening. Kilmaine started off well against a very nervous looking Davitts side and they led by 0-4 to 0-1 after fifteen minutes. Points by Michael Conroy, Pat Coyne, Aidan McTigue and Ronan McNamara had Davitts level at half-time, 0-5 each, although most of the large attendance thought that Davitts were leading by a point but referee Declan Corcoran had bizarrely overruled one of his umpires after Aidan McTigue had fired over an excellent score.

The second half started off well for Davitts with the imperious Ronan McNamara and Pat Coyne dominating the midfield exchanges and they raced into a two point lead before Kilmaine were handed a lifeline when Corcoran awarded them a penalty, a harsh decision in the eyes of the neutral spectators, which Joey Maloney despatched, to give Kilmaine the lead again. Davitts completely dominated the rest of the game and were full value for their 0-13 to 1-7 victory. A feature of the game was the superb long range freetaking of Ronan McNamara (pictured) who scored five monster kicks.

Davitts best players were Mark Diskin, Kevin Gallagher (running McNamara close for man of the match), Martin Cosgrove, Ronan McNamara, Pat Coyne, Fergal McGrath, Aidan McTigue and Michael Conroy.

Davitts: Mark Diskin, Michael Waldron, Frankie Barrett, Kevin Gallagher, Martin Cosgrove, Colm Boyle, James Cummins, Ronan McNamara (0-5), Paul Carey, Fergal McGrath (0-1), Keith Glynn, Pat Coyne (0-1), Aidan McTigue (0-1), David McDonagh (0-1), Michael Conroy (0-4). Subs used: Keith Prendergast, Liam Kearns.

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Davitts Minor team advanced to the South Mayo B Final with a fine 1-18 to 2-6 victory over The Neale in Ballindine on Wednesday evening. Davitts looked in trouble early on, but with Liam Noone (0-4) and Tommy Waldron (0-2) in top form in attack and wing back Jason Connolly and sub Mark Ronayne adding a point each before the break, they went in ahead by 0-8 to 1-3 at halftime.

Davitts upped their performance in the second half and were leading by three points when an excellent Clive Hennigan pass put Darren Connolly through on goal but he was pulled down for a penalty. Andrew Peters coolly slotted the penalty to put Davitts in control. The Neale were reduced to eleven players in the closing minutes when two of their players were sent off and the game threatened to boil over. Davitts were able to easily tag on a few more points before the finish, availing of the gaps in the visitors defence.

Outstanding for Davitts were Donie and Mark Ronayne, Brian Clarke, Gerard McWalter, Sean Waldron, Tommy Waldron, Andrew Peters, Liam Noone and Darren Connolly.

Davitts team: David Mitchell, Brian Clarke, Gerard McWalter (0-1), Cathal Higgins, Donie Ronayne, Jason Connolly (0-2), William Freeley, Sean Waldron, Tommy Waldron (0-3), Andrew Peters (1-1), Liam Noone (0-7), Darren Connolly (0-2), Clive Hennigan (0-1). Subs used: Mark Ronayne (0-1), Gearoid Lyons, John Macken, Caolan Devane.

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Davitts and Ballaghaderreen played a thrilling County U-21 B final in McHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday, with Ballaghaderreen coming out on top by 1-14 to 2-10. Fair play to an excellent Ballaghaderreen side but Davitts are extremely disappointed with the performance of the referee. Davitts were leading by two points with the game in injury time. When asked how much time was left, he informed Davitts players that the next phase of play would be the last. Davitts went down the field and scored a point by the excellent Liam Kearns to go 2-10 to 0-13 ahead and thought the game was won. However, the referee decided that there was time for another two minutes of stoppage time. Ballaghaderreen, to their credit, availed of this by scoring a goal to level matters, and then to score the winner, with the last kick of the game, to snatch an incredible victory.

While Davitts will rightly be bitter towards the referee, they will also admit that their first half performance, with the assistance of the strong wind, was just not good enough, going in level at 0-5 apiece at the break, and looking in serious trouble.

Davitts cause was not helped by a nasty hand injury to star defender Jonathon Clarke who had to retire after 15 minutes. Davitts, playing second fiddle to a very impressive looking Ballaghaderreen side, finished the half strongly and were on the ascendancy when the ref blew for half time, after playing only a minute of added on time.

Davitts showed their true colours in the second half, overwhelming the opposition and playing superbly against the wind and appeared to have the game sown up when leading by five points with eight minutes of normal time remaining. Josh Ronayne and Darren Connolly had scored the two goals which had looked like earning Davitts the title. Ballaghaderreen, to their credit, kept battling away and got their reward with those late scores and will rightly be delighted but also know that they were extremely fortunate to win.

Davits had star players all over the field and it would be unfair to single out any individuals as every player played their hearts out in what was a hugely encouraging second half performance, as good a half as anyone has ever witnessed from a Davitts team.

Davitts: David Mitchell, Kevin Gallagher, Michael Waldron, Johnno Clarke, Tommy Mitchell, Mark Ronayne, John Heneghan, Keith Prendergast (0-1), Liam Kearns (0-6), Josh Ronayne (1-2), Richie Kilkenny (0-1), Darren Connolly (1-0), Fergal McGrath. Sub used: Jason Connolly. Other panel members: David Connolly, Gerard McWalter, Dara Halligan, John Paul Clarke, Tommy Clarke, Cathal Higgins, John Macken and James Prendergast.

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Davitts U-16 team had a great away win over Aughamore in the County Championship on Tuesday evening. The final score was 1-15 to 1-11 in a very exciting game. Davitts led at halftime by 1-8 to 1-5, after playing with the assistance of the wind in the first half. The lively Matthew Trench was the goalscorer. In the second half Davitts contained the homeside well with Thomas Charles and Shane Cummins impressive in defence, William Freeley and Liam Noone in top form at midfield and Thomas Waldron, Donie Ronayne and Matthew Trench doing well in the forwardline.

Davitts: Michael Mangan, Dylan Keadin, Thomas Charles, John Huane, Jonathon Fahy, Padraig Mangan, Shane Cummins, William Freeley, Liam Noone (0-5), Michael Clarke (0-3), Thomas Waldron (0-3), Gerard Griffin, Cathal Hennelly (0-1), Donie Ronayne (0-2), Matthew Trench (1-1). Sub used: Dylan Higgins.

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Davitts qualified for the County U-21 B final with an excellent 2-14 to 1-11 victory over a gallant Moy Davitts side in Mayo Abbey on Tuesday evening. This was the third time these two well matched teams met in this competition and the standard of play in all three games was a tremendous advertisement for both the 13 a side format and the U-21 grade.

Davitts looked in big trouble after fifteen minutes, 1-5 to 0-2 behind and playing second fiddle in most departments to the Moy Davitts lads. Three points in quick succession from Josh Ronayne, team captain Keith Prendergast and an inspirational Mark Ronayne effort lifted the Davitts team and their magnificent supporters. Five minutes before the break Davitts produced a stunning move with John Heneghan, Richie Kilkenny, Fergal McGrath and Liam Kearns involved, setting up the outstanding Josh Ronayne for a goal. McGrath added a point to put Davitts ahead for the first time but Moy Davitts replied with a pointed free to leave the sides level at the interval, 1-5 apiece.

In the second half a fiercely determined Davitts team showed what they were all about with a terrific display of football. Corner backs Kevin Gallagher and Michael Waldron were setting the tone with their no nonsense approach. David Mitchell was looking assured in goals while Johnno Clarke (pictured) began to dominate at centre half back getting great assistance from Tommy Mitchell and young Mark Ronayne. John Heneghan and Keith Prendergast were lording the midfield exchanges while up front, Josh Ronayne, Richie Kilkenny, Fergal McGrath, Liam Kearns and sub Darren Connolly, who had replaced the hard working Jason Connolly, were mesmerising the Moy Davitts defenders with their clever passing and slick movement.

Excellent points from Josh Ronayne (2), Fergal McGrath (2), Liam Kearns, Johnno Clarke, Richie Kilkenny and Darren Connolly were secured before Fergal McGrath scored a brilliant individual goal to seal a great win. Davitts will now play a highly rated Ballaghaderreen side in the county final on Saturday at 3pm in Castlebar.

Davitts team: David Mitchell, Kevin Gallagher, Michael Waldron, Johnno Clarke (0-1), Tommy Mitchell, Mark Ronayne (0-1), John Heneghan, Keith Prendergast (0-1), Jason Connolly, Josh Ronayne (1-5), Richie Kilkenny (0-1), Liam Kearns (0-1), Fergal McGrath (1-3). Subs used: Darren Connolly (0-1), Dara Halligan, Gerard McWalter.

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Davitts: 1-10

Burrishoole: 1-08

Davitts retained their Michael Walsh Intermediate League title in Castlebar on Sunday, defeating Burrishoole in a closely fought affair. Davitts can attribute this victory to their outstanding midfielder Ronan McNamara, the superb forward play of Michael Conroy and a very disiplined last ten minutes defensive display by the whole team.

Davitts, playing with the stiff wind in the first half, were playing second fiddle to Burrishoole in the first quarter, until an Aidan McTigue goal, after excellent work by Frankie Barrett, Keith Glynn and Paul Carey, set them alight. Four top class points by Conroy left Davitts in front by 1-6 to 0-4 at the interval.

Burrishoole got the dream start to the second half when a defensive mix-up in the Davitts defence allowed the impressive Enda McManamon to flick a long centre to the net. They levelled the game with points from Enda McMamamon (2) and Michael Moran after Michael Conroy had scored another beauty from way out on the wing. Aidan McTigue and Enda McMenamon swapped points before man of the match Ronan McNamara scored a monster 60 metres free into the wind. An Adrian McManamon free and a Davitts point from play by Liam Kearns completed the scoring.

Best for Davitts along with McNamara and Conroy were Colm Roche, Kevin Gallagher, Aidan McTigue and Carlos O Gara.

Burrishoole’s best were Michael Joyce, Alan Moran, Paraic Holmes, Adrian McManamon, Michael Moran and Enda McManamon.

Davitts team: Mark Diskin, Colm Roche, Frankie Barrett, Kevin Gallagher, Johnno Clarke, Colm Boyle, James Cummins, Ronan McNamara (0-3), Paul Carey, Fergal McGrath, Keith Glynn, Keith Prendergast, Aidan McTigue (1-1), Dave McDonagh, Michael Conroy (0-5). Subs used: Carlos O Gara, Martin Cosgrove, Josh Ronayne, Liam Kearns (0-1) and Michael Waldron.

Check back soon for some photos of the game…

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Croke Park are offering excellent value ticketing schemes for Mayo’s upcoming All Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final versus Kerry.

A Juvenile Group Pass is available, which will admit U-16’s for €3 each. One adult per ten juveniles (U-16’s) will be admitted free of charge. Everyone included on the pass will be seated together.

A Club pass is also available, which is aimed at adults, and costs only €10 per person. A minimum of 15 and maximum of 50 people can be admitted on the Club Pass. Again, everyone included on the pass will be seated together.

Please note that the Juvenile Group Pass and Club Pass must be submitted by the Club Secretary (Ronan Kirrane) directly to Croke Park, and only one of each type of pass can be submitted per club. If enough club people are interested in travelling up to Dublin on the 21st August, Davitts will organise a bus / busses (which would cost approximately €10 per person). All in all, this is a cheap day out in Croker.

For anybody interested, or if anybody requiring further information on these offers, please contact Ronan Kirrane or Liam Nyland (phone numbers on Contacts Page). Closing date for inclusion on the Group passes is 9pm on Tuesday 16th August.

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Davitts………2-10

Moy Davitts…0-16 (AET)

When those same two teams met in the group stage of the Mayo U-21 B Championship, they produced a classic game of football, and on Wednesday evening in Ballyhaunis they served up another enthralling encounter, where a draw was a fair result. While the quality of football at times may not have been the finest due to the wet and windy conditions, one would have to admire the never say die attitude and honest endeavour of both sets of players, as the game ebbed and flowed throughout.

Davitts, playing against the wind, got off to a flying start with a great goal by Josh Ronayne in the 2nd minute of the game. Points by the impressive Sean Kelly (2), Simon Jordan and Mark Regan put Moy Davitts ahead before Fergal McGrath equalised. Moy Davitts began to get on top at this stage and led by 0-8 to 1-3 at the break, Kelly (3) and Anthony Jordan for Moy Davitts and Richie Kilkenny and Liam Kearns the Davitts scorers.

Davitts took complete control around the middle of the field in the third quarter with John Heneghan having a blinder and ably assisted by Keith Prendergast. They struggled for scores however and Moy Davitts extended their lead with a Simon Jordan point. Two Davitts points by Liam Kearns and Fergal McGrath left a point in it before Josh Ronayne levelled the match with ten minutes remaining. Ronayne put Davitts in front but two points by Sean Kelly and Simon Jordan had the Foxford boys back in the lead with time running out, before Josh Ronayne converted a pressure free kick to take the game to extra time, the final score 1-8 to 0-11.

Davitts had the assistance of the wind in the first period of extra time but Moy Davitts were looking strong and they took the lead through Anthony Jordan but again Josh Ronayne hit the leveller. It looked like Moy Davitts had the advantage now as the game entered the second period of extra time. They went ahead through Sean Kelly, and Simon Jordan put them two ahead with five minutes remaining before Liam Kearns scored a cracking Davitts goal after a defence splitting run by Josh Ronayne. Kearns put Davitts two up a minute later but Simon Jordan narrowed the gap to one, and Sean Kelly equalised with the last kick of an epic game in injury time.

Moy Davitts had excellent performers in Pat McNulty, Brian and Sean Gilmartin, Mark Regan, Sean Kelly, Simon Jordan and Anthony Jordan.

Davitts star players were David and Tommy Mitchell, the outstanding Mark Ronayne (pictured), John Heneghan, Keith Prendergast, Josh Ronayne and Fergal McGrath.

The replay takes place in Ballyhaunis next Tuesday evening.

Moy Davitts: Darren Flatley, Pat McNulty, Brian Gilmartin, Oisin McHugh, Sean Gilmartin, Barry Doherty, Mark Regan (0-1), Eamon Regan, Aidan O Brien, Sean Kelly (0-9), Daniel Murray, Simon Jordan (0-4), Anthony Jordan (0-2).

Davitts: David Mitchell, Kevin Gallagher, Michael Waldron, Johnno Clarke, Tommy Mitchell, Mark Ronayne, John Heneghan, Keith Prendergast, Josh Ronayne (1-4), Liam Kearns (1-3), Richie Kilkenny (0-1), Darren Connolly, Fergal McGrath (0-2). Sub used: Jason Connolly.

Ref: Martin Walsh.

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