Darragh Beirne Clinches Thrilling Two Point Victory for Mayo Over Sligo in Connacht U20 Opener

Darragh Beirne leads Mayo to a 0-17 to 0-15 win over Sligo. Eli Rooney's 11 points aren't enough for Sligo in a dramatic Connacht U20 championship opener.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:43 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Irish Examiner

Mayo Secure Narrow Victory in High Stakes Connacht Opener

The opening round of the Connacht U20 football championship delivered a tactical and physical encounter at Kilcoyne Park in Tubbercurry. Mayo emerged victorious with a two point margin, largely thanks to the composure of Darragh Beirne during the final moments of injury time. While Sligo threatened to snatch the result in the closing minutes, the clinical efficiency of the Mayo forward line proved to be the difference. The win provides a vital early boost for manager Keith Higgins, whose squad demonstrated significant resilience under pressure from a determined Sligo outfit that refused to concede until the final whistle.

Sligo Surge Early as Eli Rooney Dominates Scoreboard

The contest began with a strong statement from the Yeats men, led by a standout performance from Eli Rooney. Within the opening two minutes, Rooney converted a free to give Sligo an early advantage, eventually extending their lead to 3-1 by the fourteenth minute. Rooney’s accuracy from dead balls and open play kept the Mayo defense on high alert throughout the first half. His ability to find space in a crowded final third forced Mayo into several tactical adjustments, as the visitors struggled initially to find their rhythm against Sligo’s high energy defensive press.

Seven Minute Blitz Shifts Momentum to Mayo

The narrative of the match shifted dramatically midway through the first half when Mayo unleashed a devastating scoring run. In a seven minute window, the visitors registered eight consecutive points to seize total control of the proceedings. Oisin Deane was instrumental during this period, scoring the leveling points before Tom Lydon pushed Mayo into their first lead of the evening. This offensive surge left Sligo without a score for a twelve minute stretch, highlighting a period of dominance where Mayo’s ball retention and speed of transition overwhelmed their opponents.