Ballinrobe win boosts Mayo

AS the exciting build-up to the All-Ireland football decider continues, Mayo received a great boost yesterday when Ballinrobe accounted for Tralee in the All-Ireland final of the Bulmers-sponsored Pierce Purcell Shield at Shannon.

In a match that produced top-quality golf, Ballinrobe emerged triumphant by 3½ to 1½, with the winning point coming from John O’Shea and Pat Nalty at the final hole. And, in a touch of irony, it was Currow native O’Shea, donning the Ballinrobe colours, who produced a magnificent 70-yard pitch that ended it all - the stroke was so good that his partner was not asked to putt.

The Kerry team’s only winners were “seniors” Michael O’Brien and Dominic Foley, while Liam Hussey and Brian Lennon playing in the final match were all-square with their opponents when called in with three holes remaining.