Knockmore made it back-to-back Mayo senior football championship titles this afternoon by seeing off Belmullet 1-9 to 0-6 in Ballina.
James Ruddy’s goal in first-half injury-time proved crucial in the holders gaining a foothold as they went on to lead by 1-2 to 0-1 at the end of a low-scoring first-half.
Playing in the first senior decider in 40 years, Belmullet would have been disappointed with their first-half showing at James Stephens Park and they made improvements after the restart to outscore their opponents by 0-3 to 0-2 in the run up to the second water break.
That would be as good as it got for the challengers though as Knockmore kicked on in the closing quarter and five more points to their tally would secure a 10th Paddy Moclair Cup success.
Next up for Ray Dempsey’s charges is a Connacht club SFC semi-final date with Tourlestrane in two weeks’ time after the Sligo champions defeated St Kieran’s of London at Markievicz Park earlier today.
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