Knockmore came to Robert McCallion Memorial Pitch needing to win to keep their hopes of winning the division alive while Swinford hoped to maintain their 100% record in the league.
With Swinford looking forward to Intermediate Championship quarter final next weekend and having suffered a number of injuries in the final group game last Sunday there were a number of changes to the starting 15. A big plus Swinford welcomed back Mark Forkan who picked up an injury in the win against Bonniconlon a few weeks ago.
Swinford started the brighter and led by two points after 5 minutes from Tom Horkan and a free by Jason McLoughlin.
Both teams traded points with Swinford score from Liam Moran before a long free into the Swinford goal line caused confusion and the ball ended up in the net. The visitors added a point but Swinford had the perfect response with a great Liam Moran goal and Mark Forkan point.
Knockmore then took complete control of the game and over the next 8 minutes scored 2-3 to go seven ahead. The Swinford team were under huge pressure but they composed themselves and in the last 5 minutes of the half outscored Knockmore 1-4 to 0-1 to go in at the break down by 1. Points from Liam Moran (2), Jason McLoughlin and a fine goal by Mark Forkan with another point by Liam Moran had Swinford in a good position at the interval.
Mark Forkan showed what Swinford were missing last week against Burrishoole with his 2nd point of the game to level the game in the 1st minute of the second half. Liam Moran a free to put Swinford ahead.
Both teams traded scores with Swinford score from the boot of Liam Moran. Knockmore added three points to go two ahead. With ten minutes Swinford got a penalty which was struck to the back of the net by Liam Moran to give Swinford the lead. Knockmore brought the game level for the fourth time.
As the game entered injury time a mad scramble in the Knockmore goal mouth ended with James Devaney putting the ball in the net to give Swinford a bit of space.
In a long 5 minutes of injury time Swinford defence held strong and only conceded a point to win the game on a scoreline 4-11 to 3-12.
Promotion has been sealed with a game to go and we are back up as Division 4 champions.
League Table Mayo Snr League Division 4
| Team | Pld | W | L | D | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swinford | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 142 | 97 | 45 | 22 |
| Castlebar Mitchels | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 225 | 135 | 90 | 16 |
| Knockmore | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 197 | 108 | 89 | 16 |
| Killala | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 111 | 94 | 17 | 12 |
| Cill Chomain | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 157 | 133 | 24 | 11 |
| Davitts | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 118 | 173 | -55 | 10 |
| Tuar Mhic Éadaigh | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 159 | 162 | -3 | 8 |
| Westport GAA | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 145 | 150 | -5 | 8 |
| Ballina Stephenites | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 145 | 196 | -51 | 8 |
| Kilmovee Shamrocks | 10 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 149 | 170 | -21 | 7 |
| Ballintubber | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 140 | 152 | -12 | 6 |
| Charlestown Sarsfields | 11 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 93 | 130 | -37 | 5 |
| Crossmolina Deel Rovers | 10 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 114 | 195 | -81 | 1 |
Its been a long nine months since the decision of the Disputes Resolution Authority on the 5th February that resulted in our relegation. The team and management this year have been immense and with promotion secured can look forward to a championship quarter final next Sunday against Belmullet.
The Swinford team are more then capable of causing an upset and proceeding to the last four. They are strong right across all lines of the team and have a midfield and forward line that will cause all teams remaining in Championship trouble.
Swinford: Aaron Kinsella, Aiden McLoughlin, Alan McLoughlin, James Lavin, Conor Conway, Mark McNicholas, Jason carney, Johnny Burke, Mark Forkan, Joshua Smith, Tom Horkan, Liam Moran, Jason McLoughlin, Darren Campbell, Pearse Walsh. Subs Cillian O’Donnell, Jack McDonnell, James Devaney, Michael Walsh.
Scorers: Liam Moran 2-6, Mark Forkan 1-2, James Devaney 1-0, Jason McLoughlin 0-2, Tom Horkan 0-1
