Horan's Mayo make winning start

Mayo 2-8 GMIT 1-5, McHale Park

Sligo 0-12 IT Sligo 1-9, Ballinode

James Horan's first competitive match in charge of Mayo ended in a 2-8 to 1-5 victory over GMIT in wet conditions at McHale Park end.

In the first ever floodlit game at the Castlebar venue, second half goals from Cillian O'Connor, who top-scored with 1-6, and Mark Ronaldson did most of the damage.

In an opening half dominated by scores from frees, GMIT led by 1-1 to 0-3 at half-time, with Eric Monaghan netting their goal.

But by the time Ronaldson buried a penalty late on, following a foul on Aidan Campbell, Mayo were well in front.

At Ballinode, the all-Sligo affair between IT Sligo and Sligo finished in a 1-9 to 0-12 draw.

Kevin Walsh's charges ended the first half with a 0-7 to 1-3 lead, despite Danny Cummins netting a goal for the students.

The second period was just as tight, with Mark Breheny (0-7) impressing for Sligo from placed balls.

Adrian Croal, Adrian Faherty and Eugene Keating were among those that kept IT Sligo in touch as the sides shared the spoils.