The spoils were shared in Castlebar.
Mayo got their 2018 season underway by drawing with Leitrim in the Connacht FBD League in MacHale Park on Wednesday night.
Stephen Rochford gave a host of inexperienced faces opportunities to impress, with most of their playing members from last year’s All-Ireland final away on a team holiday.
Tonight's squad with a few changes… pic.twitter.com/lOezG7SRnd
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 10, 2018
Mayo looked to have the game won in front of 1,696 spectators in Castlebar, when leading by three points deep into injury time. A 73rd minute punched goal from Aiden Flynn levelled matters right at the death for Brendan Guckian’s men.
Leitrim squad for tonight… pic.twitter.com/K6miOhKnhP
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 10, 2018
The home side got off to a flier under the Castlebar lights, with youngster Ciaran Treacy impressing at corner forward, while Neil Douglas pulled the strings from the number 11 position.
They reeled off five unanswered points from the fourth minute to the 17th but it wasn’t long before the visitors kicked into gear.
#MayoGAA 1st Half Scorers
A Freeman 0-02 (2f)
F McDonagh 0-01
R Egan 0-01
N Douglas 0-01
C Treacey 0-01— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 10, 2018
Leitrim scored seven of the game’s next eight points to lead by two at the interval with Brendan Gallagher, Eoin Ward and Damien Moran to the fore.
Mayo improved after half-time, and lead by 0-13 0-10 as the game neared its conclusion. Up stepped that man Flynn to level matters.
Mayo folk can take plenty of positives from the game, though, with St. Pat’s Drumcondra student Ciaran Treacy faring well despite having a college exam to deal with tomorrow.
He raised three white flags from corner forward, with two coming from open play.
Some of these lads showing some commitment to make the Mayo Panel. Ciaran Treacy travelled from college today to play this evening with a final exam tomorrow.Very best wishes to him & all. #commitment #mayogaa
— Diane O'Hora (@ohora0013) January 10, 2018
Neil Douglas, widely tipped to make the breakthrough into Stephen Rochford’s summer plans also did his reputation no harm. The selfless centre forward is brilliant at bringing other players into the game.
https://twitter.com/mayospuds/status/951192993897353217
For sure, Dougie got through a lot of work tonight. Would have liked to seen more return – but he has the ability for sure.
— Colm Gannon (@ColmGannon) January 10, 2018
Meanwhile, Kevin McStay’s Roscommon comfortably dispatched of Sligo at Kiltoom.
The Rossies’ hit their neighbours for three goals in the first half, with Cian McKeon (2) and Diarmuid Murtagh to the fore.
They never looked back from their nine point lead at the interval, and a flurry of points from Finbarr Cregg and Donie Smith sealed the deal.
They ended up winning by 12 points on a scoreline of 3-19 to 2-10.
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