Intermediate team open league with win. Louisburgh 0-11 Mayo Gaels 2-11
Our intermediate team got their league campaign off to the perfect start on Sunday last against Louisburgh in Westport. Played in perfect conditions, Louisburgh started the best by going three points up inside the first four minutes. A Mallie Byrne free got the Gaels off the mark in the seventh minute. Then on the tenth minute Mallie Byrne scored a great goal following some high fielding by Danny Burke. Louisburgh replied with a point before Danny Burke pointed to leave the Gaels up 1-2 to 0-4 after twelve minutes. On the fifteenth minute Danny Burke was caught with a late tackle inside the square. The resultant penalty was sent wide by James Fallon. Frees from Mallie Byrne and Danny Burke were followed by a free for Louisburgh to leave the Gaels in front by 1-4 to 0-5. Further scores from Niall Brett and a free from Mallie Byrne left the Gaels leading by 1-6 to 0-5 at halftime.
One goal and two points from Danny Burke in the first three minutes of the second half meant the Gaels were really motoring at 2-8 to 0-5. Two more points from Mallie Byrne and Niall Brett followed before Louisburgh replied with four points in a row. Kevin Lynch scored a fine point before Louisburgh finished up with two points of their own. This left the final score at 2-11 to 0-11 points. Best for the Gaels were Paul Mannion, Noel Quinn, Shane Vahey, Mallie Byrne and Danny Burke.
Mayo Gaels team: Paul Mannion, Noel Quinn, Anthony Byrne, Stuart McLoughlin, John Sloyan, Adrain Heneghan, Shane Vahey, Sean Boyle, Joe Walsh, Mallie Byrne (1-4, 3f), Niall Brett (0-2), Neil McGurrin, Paul Walsh, James Fallon, Danny Burke (1-4, 1f). Subs: Kevin Lynch (0-1) for Neil McGurrin, Adam Gallagher for Mallie Byrne, Kevin Jordan for John Sloyan.