The saying that ‘goals win matches’ certainly proved true at Bekan on Wednesday evening as Roscommon poached majors just 30 seconds into the game and again just before the final whistle to win out convincing winners over a very depleted home side.

Ben McGahon goaled just after the throw-in to give the visitors a lead that they would never relinquish despite the fact that the Green and Red battled hard for the 60 minutes without the services of several regulars abroad on school tours. The half-time score was Mayo 2-6 to Roscommon 2-10 with the highlight of the half being an excellent goal from an overhead flick by Mayo forward Bobby Douglas, who scored his second just before the half-time whistle.

Roscommon had further goals from Conor Grimes and Oisin Kelly in the second half to put the match beyond Mayo. This match was an excellent advertisement for the game of hurling and the promoters of the Celtic Challenge must be commended on creating a competition where young hurlers can showcase and develop the skills of the game..

Mayo: 1. Thomas Dillon (Caiseal Gaels), 2. Conor Hunt (Captain) (Tooreen), 3. Bobby Douglas (Tooreen) (2-2), 4. James Freyne (Tooreen), 5. Aidan Morrisroe (Caiseal Gaels)

6.  David Gannon (Tooreen), 7. Finian Bourke (Tooreen), 9. Cormac Phillips (Ballyhaunis) (0-5, 2f), 11. Liam Moffatt (Caiseal Gaels) (0-1), 12. Luke Hurley (Caiseal Gaels)(0-4, 3f), 13. Eoin Delaney (Tooreen), 17. Mark Cusack (Caiseal Gaels), 19. Jack Craughwell (Caiseal Gaels), 20. Calum Breheny (Caiseal Gaels), 21.          Patrick Hunt (Caiseal Gaels), 22. Michael Raleigh (Caiseal Gaels), 25. Uneeb Naseer (Ballyhaunis).

Roscommon: 1. Cormac Miley (Captain) St. Dominics, 2. Conor Grimes St. Dominics (1-0),

3. Thomas Fallon Oran, 4. Andrew Flood Padraig Pearses, 5. Matthew Comerford Padraig Pearses, 6. Eoghan Coyle Athleague/Tremane (0-1), 7. Jack Donnelly Four Roads, 8. Pauric Halpin St. Dominics, 9. Donnachadh Gately Four Roads (0-1), 10.         Brendan Mulry Four Roads (0-2), 11. Daniel Staunton Padraig Pearses (0-2, 1f), 12. Paul Carey  Padraig Pearses (0-2), 13. Ben McGahon Athleague/Tremane (2-4), 14. Oisin Keenan Oran, 15.      Mickey Joe Egan St. Dominics (0-4, 2f), 16. Jack Naughten Athleague/Tremane, 17. Patrick Kenny Four Roads, 18. Ethan Connaughton St. Dominics, 19. Emmett Quinn Athleague/Tremane, 20. Oisin Kelly Padraig Pearses (1-0), 21. Anthony Kelly Padraig Pearses, 22. Oisin Campbell Four Roads, 23. Darren Meares Four Roads, 24. Adam Farrell Athleague/Tremane, 25. Darragh McCarthy Four Roads, 26. Luke Powell Padraig Pearses, 27. Niall Hynes Four Roads, 28. Connell Kennelly St. Dominics.

Referee: Shane Hynes, Gaillimh.