In an intense clash at Fitzgerald Stadium, Mayo’s Sinead Walsh emerged as the hero with a crucial point in the dying moments of the game, securing a hard-fought draw against Kerry in the fourth round of the Lidl National Football League Division 1.
Despite trailing by three points with just ten minutes remaining, Mayo staged a remarkable comeback, scoring three consecutive points to snatch a well-deserved draw and put an end to Kerry’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Mayo faced an early setback with the absence of All Star Danielle Caldwell due to injury, but Sinead Cafferky proved to be a capable replacement, delivering an impressive performance.
Kerry started the first half strongly, racing to a 0-3 lead within the opening seven minutes, with Anna Galvin leading the charge with two excellent scores. However, Mayo responded with determination, leveling the score by the 20th minute through solid defense and well-executed attacks, with Cafferky and Maria Cannon making significant contributions.
Despite Kerry’s early dominance, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with six wides in the first half. Mayo managed to take a narrow one-point lead through a fine individual effort from Cafferky before both teams went into halftime tied at 0-4 apiece.
In the second half, Kerry initially seemed in control, extending their lead to three points by the 50th minute. However, Mayo refused to back down, mounting a spirited comeback with Walsh and Cannon narrowing the gap with crucial scores.
With the game hanging in the balance, Walsh stepped up with a vital point in the final minute, securing a draw for Mayo and denying Kerry victory in dramatic fashion.
