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Hastings Cup (U-21 Football) Second Round
Mayo 1-8
Leitrim 0-5
Mayo Under 21’s added another victory to their Hastings Cup Campaign – this time Leitrim were the unlucky victims. Although the score wasn’t as impressive as last weekend’s, the game was played on a very soft pitch in Drumbshambo and the play was more physical. The referee took his time in arriving and the match was delayed by over 25 minutes as a result.
Mayo displayed a very different team than last week due to NUI Galway and Athlone IT’s participation in the Sigerson Cup but it was an opportunity to try out some new players. Mayos performance left a lot to be desired but I wouldn’t be too worried with half the team unavailable to play and with it only being a Hastings Cup Match. I think they have plenty of time to sharpen up before the first round of the Connaght Championship.
Mayo opened the scoring after two minutes with Ronan Loftus pointing a free kick and three minutes later Liam Brady followed up with another point. Leitrim then got on top of Mayo in midfield with Shane Canning being very impressive. Darren McGovern and Paraic McGarry brought the sides even by 10 minutes and then Michael Foley pointed a free kick which put Leitrim into the lead for the first and only time in the match.
Mayo brought the scores even a minute later courtesy of Alan Regan. Although they regained control of the game at this stage, they were not making much use of the possession and all they could score was from a free thanks to Ronan Loftus on 23 minutes. Leitrim replied with a free courtesy of Darren McGovern but then Mayo replied with another free from Brian Maloney to give them a one point advantage at half-time.
As well as being late arriving, the referee must have been in a hurry to get home as well, as he only played 28 minutes in the first half and 27 minutes in the second.
Mayo changed around their team for the second half by bringing on M.J Meenaghan, Aodhain McTigue of Ballycastle, Conor Mortimer and Marty McNicholas. Mayo’s fitness and physical presence helped them in taking control of the second half. Marty McNicholas opened his account five minutes into the half with his score coming from a free. Mayo were well in command and should have put away a few goals at this stage. Charlestown’s Enda Casey scored a terrific point after 44 minutes and Conor Mortimer scored the only goal of the game with the help of Sean Grimes who placed a perfect pass for Mortimer to finish in style. The introduction of Aodhain McTigue helped Mayo take almost complete control of the Midfield. Mayo’s defence were magnificent and they denied Leitrim numerous times, although Micheal Foley scored in the 23rd minute for Leitrim from a free-kick. Ronan Loftus raped things up for the visiting side with another pointed free-kick.
Undoubtedly Mayo deserved to win, but they will have to work on their game a bit before they face Tyrone which will definitely be a stronger challenge. But all credit must go to the U-21 side as they have maximum points going into the Christmas break just like their Senior counterparts.

Mayo: K. Kelly, P. Kelly, D. O’Dea, K. Duignan, P. Coady, B. Prendergast, E. Casey, M. Webb, S. Healy, R. Loftus(0-4), S. Grimes, T. Naughton, A. Regan(0-1), M. Maloney(0-1), L. Brady(0-1). Subs: MJ. Meenaghan, A. Tighe, C. Mortimer(1-0), M. McNicholas(0-1).

Under 30’s Versus Over 30’s
If you were at Griffin Community Park on October Weekend 2000 you would have witnessed history in the making as the Currane Over-30’s fought it out with the Under-30’s in quite difficult conditions in a game of gaelic football. Over all the game was hailed as a success and proposed to be replayed again hopefully sooner rather than later. Well rumour has it that it is to be played this St Stephens Day at Griffin Community Park, Currane. I’m not quiet sure if this rumour is true – I myself would have waited until the New Year because I don’t think the Over 30’s or some of the Under 30’s will be fit to take part on St Stephens Day. So that is what I heard this week on the grapevine but do not take my word for granted, and if you are interested in learning more about this I would urge you to contact the organisers of the previous meeting, Sean Dever and Eamon Joyce.

My View
Hello and Welcome to the Christmas edition of My View. This week’s edition is full of interesting and exciting subjects. Firstly we will start on last weeks subject which was that blasted Hill.

Hill 16 – Should it Stay Or Should It Go?
I was overwhelmed this week with support saying that the Hill should go! Firstly Bob the Builder was on again, saying that it is not the perfect type of image the GAA should be showing in this millennium and he also wanted to say that he would do a state of the art job on the whole stadium for a cheap price. Secondly Bernard Manning e-mailed me and said that the Hill should go it is out of date and looks like something you would have seen in the 60’s. He believes the only people who want to keep it are the Dubs and he added that if the Dubs happen to be on it the day of demolition it would be no real loss. Come on Bernard that’s a bit harsh on the poor Dubs. Last but not least Micheal Bell e-mailed me to say that no matter whether they plan to knock it or not, with the length of time it is taking to complete the construction of Croke Park it will probably be there for another 84 years.

All Ireland Championship Structure
It took me along time to decide what would be the topic up for discussion this week but after a long hard think I decided to bring into the limelight the new structure proposed by the GAA for the All Ireland Championship. I am not quiet sure what the structure is right up to the last detail, but as far as I can make out 4 provincial champions qualify for the Quarter Finals and then the defeated provincial finalists get another chance. I would like to know this week what do you think about this structure will it benefit the game or will it take from it. It’s your call.

E-mail me with YOUR opinion at johnruddy@currane.net, placing ‘My View’ in the subject bar.

Wishing all my readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!