Fog forces abandonment of Mayo-Dublin clash

Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 07:59 PM

MAYO 0-5 DUBLIN 0-8, Castlebar (Match abandoned at half-time)
Heavy fog at McHale Park in Castlebar tonight forced the abandonement of the Allianz Football League clash between Dublin and Mayo at half-time.

A decision will be made by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee on Monday regarding a refixture.

Dublin led by 0-8 to 0-5 at the interval despite being reduced to 14 men after 25 minutes following the dismissal of half-back James McCarthy.

McCarthy was dismissed on a straight red card after a challenge on Alan Freeman, with the visitors leading by 0-8 to 0-3 at this stage.

It was Mayo who began the game brightly with Cillian O'Connor and Conor Mortimer firing James Horan's side into a 0-2 to 0-0 lead after five minutes.

However, Dublin were hugely dominant for the remainder of the opening quarter and built up a 0-7 to 0-2 lead after 17 minutes.

Diarmuid Connolly played a strong role in this purple patch for Pat Gilroy's charges, opening his side's account in the sixth minute.

Connolly provided the assist for a Paul Brogan score, with Tomas Quinn also on target early on. A second point from the St. Vincent's clubman ensured a 0-6 to 0-2 advantage for the visitors.

Kevin McManamon sent Dublin five points clear at the end of the opening quarter, before Mayo claimed their first score in 16 minutes.

Stephen Cluxton fired over a 23rd minute pointed free, and although Mayo placed huge pressure on the Dublin rearguard with Keith Higgins making a bursting run from defence they failed to capitalise.

A minute later, McCarthy was sent to the line following an altercation with Freeman, and Mayo took advantage of their extra man in the closing minutes of the half.

The hosts gained control in the midfield sector, with Mayo sneaking a 27th minute score after the ball riocheted off the cross bar. Conor Mortimer added another point for his side to cut the deficit to three points at the break.

However, no further action took place as the fog worsened and in the interests of player safety it was decided to call a halt to proceedings, with the game now set to be refixed at a later date.