O’Connor inspirational as Mayo go the extra to end Tribesmen’s reign

Nine points from Young Footballer of the Year, Cillian O’Connor, proved to be the difference as Galway surrendered their provincial and All-Ireland U21 FC crowns in last night’s Connacht preliminary round clash in Castlebar.

Extra-time was required before the neighbours could be separated, the sides finishing level (1-10 to 0-13) after an hour’s enthralling action, in front of 3,000 spectators.

The sides were level six times during a helter-skelter match but Mayo’s persistence and determination eventually paid off, with O’Connor converting two late frees to break the stalemate.