Roscommon come unstuck as McDonald and Beirne catch fire

Roscommon’s U-20 footballers suffered their second defeat of this year’s provincial campaign as they came unstuck against a Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne inspired Mayo.

Roscommon looked in a healthy position when they fought back from a seven point deficit after 10 minutes to restore parity by the interval. With wind advantage to come in the final period, Roscommon appeared to be in prime position to beat Mayo at this grade for the first time since 2021.

However, Mayo kicked 1-6 without reply in a dazzling 11 minute spell to turn a one point deficit early in the final period into a 2-14 to 0-12 advantage. Roscommon fought back as sub Dean Casey raided for 1-2 to cut the deficit to two points but a two-point free from McDonald ensured Mayo secured the spoils.

McDonald and Beirne combined for 0-11 while the pair were heavily involved in both of Oisín Deane's goals.

Although Mayo enjoyed a rapid fire start to the opening half, Roscommon had shown early signs of their own potential to disrupt their hosts.

Kobe McDonald kicked off the scoring while he also directly assisted 1-2 in the opening 10 minutes. Fellow senior star Darragh Beirne, slotted 0-3 including a two-pointer early doors while the pair combined to tee up Oisín Deane for a 10th minute goal. That saw Mayo lead 1-4 to 0-1.

But Roscommon battled back. They rattled off five points without reply as Charlie O’Carroll, brother of Roscommon senior footballer Ben O’Carroll, kicked a two-point free against the elements.

A John McGuinness fisted effort on the stroke of half time helped Roscommon draw parity at the break, 0-9 to 1-6.

Roscommon grabbed three of the opening five scores in the final period with a John Curran effort helping them lead by the minimum.

But Mayo’s scoring salvo saw them do enough to come away with a hard earned triumph.

*Full report and reaction in Tuesday's Roscommon Herald*