Holders bow out of Mary Walsh Cup

Mary Walsh Cup (Round 1)

In a replay of last year’s Mary Walsh Cup final, Killala and Kiltimagh Knock United went head to head in the first round of the divisional competition on Friday evening.

Killala are always stern opposition on their home ground and so it proved, with the holders bowing out 4-3.

Ella McLoughlin was an ever present threat for Killala, her speed and well timed runs rewarded with four goals, well supported by Laura Bilbow and Ciara McHale, who were busy on the wings.

After McLoughlin gave Killala the lead on 12 minutes, Hana Ueno had KK level in the 26^th when she got on the end of a superb Cliona Callaghan corner. While the lead was short-lived, KK levelled it again through Erika Ryan just before half-time following a goal-mouth scramble.

KK lifted their game in the second half but despite a super showing from ‘keeper Elaine Duffy, McLoughlin did further damage with two goals and still 30 minutes left to play.

A stunning goal from a free taken by Mary Ann Ward gave KK hopes of pulling it back but Killala put in a good shift right across the pitch all evening and saw out the game to win 4-3.

Castlebar Celtic progressed to the next round of the cup with a 5-1 victory over Ballina Town.

The hosts held a slender 1-0 lead at half-time, the goal coming from the boot of Sarah Jane Kilcawley.

Ava Murray, who started in goal for Celtic, played outfield in the second half, and she was on the end of a Kilcawley assist to make it 2-0 in the 49^th minute.

Losing Kayla Salami to an injury was a setback, but in a battling team display substitute Beth Fair pulled it back to a 3-1 game for Town around the hour mark.

While further fresh legs were introduced by Ballina, Celtic tacked on two more goals, Murray again and Grace Carroll, to round off a good evening’s work in the 80^th minute.

Next weekend sees a return to league action.

 RESULTS

Mary Walsh Cup, sponsored by Eco-Powered Cabinets

Killala 4-3 Kiltimagh Knock United

Castlebar Celtic 5-1 Ballina Town

Friday, June 12, 7.30 p.m.

ECO POWERED CABINETS MAYO WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Premier Division

Kilmore v Castlebar Town

Manulla v Straide & Foxford United

Conn Rangers v Swinford

Division One

Ballina Town v Kiltimagh Knock United

Castlebar Celtic v Westport United

Killala v Ballinrobe Town

Division Two

Snugboro United v Crossmolina

Glenhest Rovers v Achill Rovers