Mayo proved far too strong for Galway as they powered to a 2-14 to 1-10 victory in Castlebar.

Rampant Mayo led by 0-11 to 0-5 at half time, with captain Trevor Mortimer causing Galway all manner of problems.

Both teams lined out as selected and traded early points through Sean Armstrong and Mayo wing back Peadar Gardiner.

But it was all Mayo early on and the hosts had points from Mark Ronaldson and the impressive Andy Moran to lead by 0-3 to 0-1 by the ninth minute.

Ronan McGarrity, Moran, Ronaldson and half back Kevin McLoughlin piled on the agony for the all-at-sea Tribesmen who trailed by 0-7 to 0-2.

Eight Mayo players were on target in the first half with Parsons and rookie Enda Varley getting in on the act: 0-11 to 0-5 at the break.

Varley netted for the brilliant hosts after Ronaldson had tapped over two frees to bring his tally to 0-4. Mayo led by 1-13 to 0-6 with ten minutes played in the second half.

Mortimer added another goal in the 47th minute as the margin went up to 13 points and the recent history of close encounters between these Connacht rivals was blown out of the water.

Mortimer's day was spoiled somewhat when he picked up a harsh-looking red card and the winners were reduced to 14 men - but they were already home and hosed. Nicky Joyce pulled back a Galway point from a straightforward free in front of the posts 14 minutes into the second half.

A Micheal Meehan goal on 51 minutes gave Joe Kernan's side some semblance of hope, with Mayo momentarily looking disjointed following the dismissal of their captain.

Mayo regained their composure as sub Meehan's contribution of 1-3 had little or no bearing on the eventual outcome.

Mayo - D Clarke; D Vaughan (0-1), G Cafferkey, K Higgins; P Gardiner (0-1) , T Howley, K McLoughlin (0-2); T Parsons (0-1), R McGarrity (0-1); A Moran (0-2) , S O'Shea, T Mortimer (1-0), E Varley (1-1), A O'Shea (0-1), M Ronaldson (0-4). Subs: A Freeman for S O'Shea (48 mins).

Galway - P Doherty; G Bradshaw, F Hanley, D O'Neill; D Meehan, G O'Donnell, N Coyne; J Bergin, M Lydon; P Kennedy, P Conroy, N Coleman; S Armstrong (0-2), N Joyce (0-3, 2f), M Martin (0-2, 2f). Subs: A Feeney for Coyne (20 mins), D Cummins for Kennedy (23 mins), M Meehan (1-3, 3f) for Lydon (ht), B Cullinane for Martin (41 mins).

Ref: M Duffy (Sligo) Tweet

Most Read Stories