Thirteen years after inspiring his beloved Crossmolina to an historic All-Ireland club title, Ciaran McDonald played a key role in preserving the Deel Rovers' senior status yesterday.

The 39-year-old former Mayo star remains a class act, posting 0-6 (0-5 from play) in a 2-15 to 1-9 Mayo SFC relegation playoff semi-final victory over Westport in Foxford. Another ex-Mayo star, Peadar Gardiner, also chipped in with 0-3 from play, leaving Westport to scrap it out with the losers of the other relegation semi-final between Ballina Stephenites and Kiltane to save their senior status.

Regarded as one of the best footballers not to have won an All-Ireland medal at senior inter-county level, McDonald returned to the maroon of Crossmolina last February after a year's absence from the game.

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