Brilliant Barony Boys take home the McDonnell Cup

There's a big silver cup by the ocean this afternoon as Iorras Aontaithe celebrate a sparkling win in Milebush Park. The barony boys were clear winners despite the best efforts of a hardworking Ballyvary Blue Bombers outfit who were always chasing the game once Ivan Barrett gave the Erris men the lead after six minutes.

The veteran attacker had a major influence on the game, always dangerous in front of goal and a constant thorn in the Ballyvary side.

As the first half progressed the Bombers worked their way into the game and were still just a goal adrift approaching half-time when a deadly Iorras counterattack sent Seamus Howard through and he doubled the lead.

Things got even better for the Erris men in the opening minute of the second half when impressive midfielder Owen McHale put three between the sides and it seemed as if the floodgates would open, however the Ballyvary men dug in and a classy finish from Joe Glynn got them back into it.

Chances came and went at both ends before Ryan Ruddy made it 4-1. The end-to-end nature of the contest continued into the final quarter with both sides playing some exciting football and there were four more goals to be scored.

Kevin Hall brought Bombers back into it when he clipped home after 83 minutes but Iorras were in no mood to be overhauled. The excellent Cillian Reilly hit a stunning fifth for the leaders before the fleet-footed James Lavelle made it six deep in injury time and there was still time for Reilly to score his side's seventh before the final whistle sent the cup winging its way to the edge of the ocean.

A full report and after-match reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News