Two Mayo football clubs contested Under 16 girls Connacht finals at the weekend, with joy for Swinford FC while Ballinrobe Town suffered defeat on penalties.
Swinford were crowned Under 16 Girls Connacht Shield winners on Saturday, with Ballinrobe losing out after an epic battle with Athenry the following afternoon in the Under 16 Connacht Cup final.
Both sides faced Galway opposition in the deciders, which were held in Headford.
Swinford enjoyed a 5-1 win over Maree Oranmore, showing real strength of character after falling a goal behind to very good opposition.
Swinford are a side strong in every department of the field, and they were well led by captain Blaithin Brennan who bagged herself a hat-trick.
Riona Foote hit the goal that got Swinford back in the game, with Alicia Gallagher completing the scoring for the east Mayo side.
Looking to make it a Mayo double, Ballinrobe took a 1-0 lead in at half-time in their game. They had been knocking on the Athenry door when a Kate Brennan cross ball was deflected into the net by an Athenry player.
The Galway side kept their heads and equalised 10 minutes into the second half.
There was nothing between the sides come full-time, finishing 1-1, and the score line was even at the end of extra-time at 2-2.
Athenry had nudged ahead in the second half of extra-time but Ballinrobe always give it everything and Maura Hughes popped up with a goal when it really counted to send the tie to penalties.
The cup, however, wasn't to come across the county border, with Athenry winning 3-1 in the shootout.
Having two teams in finals is testament to the high quality of football in Mayo at this age level.
Women's league weekend roundup
There was league and cup action in the Mayo Women's League last weekend.
Kilmore Ladies progressed in the only Mayo Women's Cup fixture. The win, at home in Erris, was their first of the season as they overcame visitors Kiltimagh Knock United on Friday evening.
Kathrina Barrett scored both Kilmore goals in a 2-1 win.
Two league games were also played on Friday evening, with Manulla comfortable winners, 7-0, away to Crossmolina.
Jess Nolan had a hat-trick to her name going in at half-time with three goals in quick succession late in the half. She added two more in the second half, with Niamh Flannery completing the scoring with another two goals.
It was a tighter affair up the N26 where hosts Conn Rangers fell to Swinford by a single goal - 3-4 the result there.
Conn responded to an Amy Dunleavy strike on 20 minutes when Leah McHugh leveled it on 25. But Swinford tacked on two more scores before half-time through Nicola Jordan.
Substitute Chloe Stadler brought it back to a 3-3 game for Conn but it was another substitute who was ultimately to decide the tie. Chloe Thompson replied to the 83rd minute equaliser with a winning goal on 87, just after entering the pitch.
There's a round of league games again next Friday evening, with Manulla out on Sunday in the Connacht Women's Cup final against Salthill Devon.
Fixtures
Mayo Women's League
Friday, May 12, 7.30 p.m.
Crossmolina v Kiltimagh Knock United
Killala v Conn Rangers
Kilmore v Castlebar Town
Swinford v Straide & Foxford
Connacht Women's Cup final
Sunday, May 14, 3 p.m.
Manulla v Salthill Devon
