Charlestown are the new Mayo SFC title-holders after downing Knockmore by 0-9 to 0-6 in a dour county final at McHale Park, Castlebar. In an otherwise fine team performance, David 'Ginger' Tiernan and his midfield partner Tom Parsons produced a powerhouse second half grip on the midfield exchanges in the second half in particular which helped propel their side to victory. In a sluggish opening, the sides were level at 0-2 apiece after 12 minutes before Charlestown slowly began to get on top. With the aid of a strong breeze, points from Richard Haran and Tony Mulligan helped ease the would-be champions into a two point lead. Knockmore hit back though and points from Trevor Howley and Kevin McLoughlin saw just one point separate the sides, 0-4 to 0-3, at the interval. Things were no less tight at the end of the third quarter as the sides lay deadlocked at 0-6 apiece. With Kevin O'Neill prominent on the frees for Knockmore, Charlestown came under renewed pressure but, crucially, Knockmore failed to score from the 41st minute onwards. Once the score of the match in the 50th minute arrived from man of the match 'Ginger' Tiernan, the tide began to turn his side's way and a further two points from Charlestown and a brilliant save from their 'keeper John Casey to deny Gerry Higgins signalled the deathknell for Knockmore's hopes of victory. Tweet

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