Mayo and Galway seal Connacht U20 knockout places after impressive fourth round wins

Mayo and Galway have secured their place in the knockout stages of the Connacht U20 Football Championship with one round to play after impressive victories on Wednesday evening.

The western rivals are now progressing with momentum ahead of the final group matches, while Leitrim and Sligo have been knocked out of the competition.

Mayo dominate Leitrim at Carrick-on-Shannon

Mayo delivered a powerful offensive display to defeat Leitrim by 3-21 to 1-12 at Carrick-on-Shannon.

Early goals from Dylan Flynn and Kobe McDonald set the tone for a one-sided contest, putting Mayo in control from the start.

Further scores from Tom Lydon, who finished with an excellent 0-7, alongside two two-point baskets from Colm Lynch, helped Mayo take a 2-12 to 0-5 half-time lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Darragh Beirne adding a third Mayo goal in the 47th minute to extinguish any hopes of a Leitrim comeback.

Colm McLoughlin scored a consolation goal for Leitrim, but it proved little more than a footnote to a dominant Mayo performance.

Galway survives Sligo’s return in Tuam Thriller

Galway were pushed to the end by Sligo before securing a narrow 1-13 to 0-15 victory in a gripping encounter at Tuam Stadium.

The Tribesmen looked comfortable at the break, leading 0-11 to 0-5 after a composed first half.

However, Sligo responded superbly after the break, scoring over six unanswered points to level the contest and swing the momentum in their favor.

Conor Walsh, Matthew Walsh, Aaron Lang (three points) and Eamon Keane were all on target during a blistering Yeats County spell.

Galway regrouped at a crucial moment, Eoinín Ó Cualáin first restoring the lead with a point before rattling the net to deliver a decisive blow.

Ciaran Mulhern extended the advantage to five, and although Sligo rallied again thanks to late scores from Cian Nicholson (two points), Lang and Dara Mostyn, they ultimately fell just short.

Connacht U20 Championship: knockout picture takes shape

With one round remaining, Mayo and Galway have booked their place in the knockout stages and will now look to build further momentum ahead of the semi-finals.

For Sligo and Leitrim, attention now turns to rebuilding after competitive but ultimately unsuccessful campaigns.

Match Highlights

STRENGTHS
@Galway_GAA holds on to defeat @sligogaa after a cracker in Tuam in round four of the Dalata Hotel Group Connacht U20 Championship!
#ConnachtGAA
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