Mayo SFC: Ballina stunned by Garrymore as Crossmolina begin life without Kobe

BIG LOSS: Ballina missed Evan Regan after he exited through injury in the shock defeat to Garrymore. Pic Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Ballina Stephenites’ ambitions of winning a fourth Mayo SFC title in a row were dealt a big blow when they crashed to a shock four point defeat away to Garrymore in the opening round at James Stephens Park on Saturday evening.

A goal from former Mayo defender Caolan Crowe in the 56th minute proved crucial as Garrymore — who last won the last of their six Mayo SFC titles in 1982 — upset the odds to run out 1-12 to 0-11 winners.

It was their first championship win over the Stephenites for nine years.

HIGHLIGHTS: @Garrymoregaa produced a great performance to beat the county champions @NaStiofanaigh in the Connacht Gold Mayo Senior Football Championship earlier today.@StreamsportI pic.twitter.com/ty8lK511JS

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) August 8, 2026

Ballina, who were raging hot favourites to get their title defence to a winning start, lost top scorer Evan Regan to injury midway through the second half and never hit top form.

Garrymore were inspired by Mayo’s All-Ireland winning duo Eoin McGreal and Enda Hession, while Darren Quinn produced a man of the match display, shooting six points.

Niall Heffernan’s Ballina outfit badly missed the likes of injured midfielder Dylan Thornton and were left to rue only scoring two points in the opening 36 minutes.

Elsewhere, Brian Benson’s Crossmolina began life without Kobe McDonald with a high-scoring 1-26 to 0-22 victory at home to Ballintubber in the opening round.

With McDonald beginning life in the AFL with St Kilda this week, his club-mates delivered a statement performance in his absence.

Mayo star Jordan Flynn scored the Deel Rovers’ goal while his county team-mate, Conor Loftus, turned in a brilliant display, scoring four points from his post at centre-half back.

James Maheady was also in good form, landing seven points from play.

Ballintubber finished strongly with a string of scores from the likes of impact substitute Cillian O’Connor (two 2-point frees), Michael Plunkett and Ciaran Gavin, but they were unable to keep pace with Crossmolina’s free-scoring forwards.

Belmullet also produced a surprise to beat Knockmore by 2-9 to 1-9 on Friday evening.

A penalty from Fionn O’Donoghue in added time proved to be the winning score with Eamon McAndrew also raising a green flag in the second half for the Erris men.

🤯🔥 FROM CROKE PARK TO KNOCKMORE!

Ryan O'Donoghue showing his class with an outstanding 2⃣ point score for his club @BelmulletGaa not even two weeks after his Man of the Match performance in Croke Park 👏@MayoGAA pic.twitter.com/8FpN4932ZP

— StreamSport.ie (@StreamsportI) August 7, 2026

Ryan O’Donoghue, who produced a man of the match display for Mayo in the recent All-Ireland Final, also landed a couple of inspirational two-pointers for Belmullet as they stunned the home side.

O’Donoghue was also denied a goal from a penalty in the opening half after a fine save from his former Mayo team-mare, Colm Reape.

Knockmore’s goal was scored by Aidan Orme.

Meanwhile, Claremorris were forced to line out without Mayo’s All-Ireland final hero, Darragh Beirne, due to injury but they still had too much for last year’s Intermediate winners, Kilmeena.

The South Mayo side ran out 3-11 to 0-13 winners with Mayo Under-20 attacker, Niall Hurley, shooting 2-5. His brother, Dara, netted the third Claremorris goal.

Last year’s beaten finalists, Westport, also got off to a flying start by running out easy 1-30 to 1-11 winners at home to Charlestown.

Colm Moran netted for Pat Holmes’ side with Finbarr McLaughlin kicking ten points, including a few superb two-pointers.

There were also first round victories for Castlebar Mitchels and Aghamore.

Mitchels were far too strong for Balla on Friday evening with Cian Walsh helping himself to 2-6 as Kevin Filan’s charges cruised to a 2-16 to 0-10 win away from home.

Aghamore got the better of Mayo Gaels on Saturday afternoon by 2-20 to 0-17 with Liam Lavin converting a penalty to set them on their way and Mayo panellist Fergal Boland shooting five points from play.