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Castlebar Celtic v Ballyheane

7pm 8 July 2023

Mayo Super League
Castlebar Celtic 4 Ballyheane 2 (att 167)

Not being a big fan of pre-season friendlies I headed to the west of Ireland where the Mayo League has a summer season with fixtures spread over a weekend.

Castlebar is Mayo’s county town, and Celtic are currently top of the Mayo Super League with a healthy lead. The visit of third-placed Ballyheane looked likely to present a tough challenge.

The away side made a strong start, but once Castlebar got into their stride they looked the better team. Their first goal, after 14 minutes, was against the run of play but once they scored their second, a precise shot from distance, they looked to be coasting.

They should have extended their lead, coming close more than once and missing one sitter. Ballyheane made the most of the let off, pulling a goal back before half time.

A third home goal soon into the second period re-established Celtic’s superiority. Ballyheane stayed in game until the final few minutes before a fourth goal finished them. There was still time for a fine free kick to provide a late consolation for visitors.

Celtic Park is a neat venue close to the centre of town. It’s enclosed, floodlit, and has terracing along one side and at one end. There’s no stand, but a row of chairs was placed on the top terrace step in front of the clubhouse.









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