Mayo go down fighting in the George Best Final
Mayo took on Dundalk in the final of the George Best Community Cup in The Oval, Belfast, this afternoon. The first half saw mostly half chances with Dundalk hitting free kicks over the bar and Mayo putting the Oriel keeper under pressure with crosses piled in on top of him and had to make a good save from James O'Donnell. Mayo played the better football and won a number of corners, while Dundalk had an opportunity that flashed wide. Dundalk took the lead through their best player and player of the tournament when he broke through the Mayo rearguard to finish past Conor O'Malley. Mayo looked initially rattled but started to knock the ball about again, playing the better football up to half time. Mayo began the second half playing the football while Dundalk were playing more of a direct game. Conor O'Malley made a decent save but Mayo put the Louthmen under pressure. Mayo's good football was rewarded when Jamie Fallon volleyed home a much deserved equaliser. Not long after that, Mayo were hit by a sucker punch as the Dundalk striker, that made a great impression all tournament, netted again to put Dundalk 2-1 up. Mayo probed and played but the Dundalk defence held firm. The keeper pulled off a fine save from Conor Byrne and Mayo nearly snatched what would have been a deserved equaliser at the end when Stephen Coen fired just wide. It wasn't to be for the gallant Mayo men who worked hard over six games in three days and gave absolutely everything to the cause. Every player played their part in what was a memorable tournament for all the right reasons in Mayo and the organisers have already extended the invitation to come up again next year to East Belfast. Mayo may not have won the match, but, as usual, have won many admirers from the neutrals and the new kids on the block have certainly played themselves into contention for future county squads, and also bonded in superbly with the regulars. Meanwhile, the management and players would like to thank Kevin Coughlan, Westport for sponsoring the bread for the accommodation at Jordanstown Campus. Mayo: Conor O'Malley, Martin Owens (Capt.), Andrew Shally, Padraig Keane, James O'Donnell, Leeroy Nevin, James Stretton, Conor Byrne, Cormac Rushe, Jamie Fallon, Michael Corrigan. Subs: Stephen Coen-Michael Corrigan, Andrew Peters-Leeroy Nevin, Diarmuid O'Connor-Cormac Rushe.
