Swatragh Take Part In Michael Davitt Cup

On Saturday the 27th of May, Swatragh made the long trek south to take part in the inaugural Michael Davitt Cup hosted by the Moy Davitts Club in Mayo. Swatragh were travelling to take on the home side along with the Davitts of South Mayo and Ballyhegan Davitts from Armagh(home to Paul McGrane & Paddy McKeever). Everyone was up at the crack of dawn to begin the long journey south with the prospect of playing in the opening game lying ahead of them.

Michael Davitt Cups

On arrival in Mayo the visiting sides were greeted with a civic reception by the host side. Refreshments were laid on for all. Moy DavittsChairman, John McNicholas welcomed everyone to Foxford and wished the competing teams the best of luck in the matches. Presentations were made to each of the teams to commemorate the event.

Cormac Receives Commemorative Picture Of Michael Davitt

After the presentations had been made, everyone made their way to the Moy Davitts pitch for the opening game of the Michael Davitt Cup. Swatragh went into this game as favourite against the Mayo division 2 Davitts side.

South Mayo Davitts

Swatragh Team

Swatragh justified their favourites tag as they dominated early proceedings and quickly got the opening score of the game. Johnny McKeefry soon added Swatragh's second point from play to rapturous applause from Marty Turner. Swatragh continued to dominate proceedings but were guilty of some wasteful shooting and should have been much further than 1-05 to 0-04 at half time.

Philip Under The Cosh

In the second half Swatragh found themselves playing into a stiffening breeze, which seemed to give the Mayo side renewed hope of victory. However, the Swatragh men played some excellent possession football and managed to stretch their lead. The Mayo men became increasingly frustrated at their inability to make any inroads to the Swatragh lead and were guilty of some over zealous tackling as the game drew to a close.

Friel Puts A Hit In

However, Swatragh maintained their composure and closed out the game on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-07. Swatragh had won the first ever game in the Michael Davitt Cup and awaited the result of the second semi final to see who they would meet in the final.

The second game was between Ballyhegan Davitts of Armagh and the home side, Moy Davitts. The home side were the strong favourites for this game, and Ballyhegan were looking for inspiration from the experienced duo of Seamus McFerran and James Mc Keagney.

Ballyhegan Davitts

Moy Davitts

As the form book suggested the home side rompted to a comfortable victory over Ballyhegan to set up a final meeting with the boys from Swatragh. Ballyhegan battled manfully to the end but were undone by a superior all round team.

McKeagney In Control

With the final pairing settled all that was left for Swatragh to do was check into their hotel and get a good nights rest ahead of the next days game............

And this was how it proved as everyone awoke bright and early the next morning for a brisk walk around Castlebar, some quick shopping followed by a hearty breakfast.

With everyone suitably refreshed and ready for action the Swatragh side set off once again for the home of Moy Davitts to challenge the Mayo men for the Michael Davitt Cup.

The final itself was an extremely close affair with both sides playing some fine football and it was fitting that at the end of the sixty minute they remained deadlocked. Extra time also proved to be extremely close but the home side just shaded proceedings and emerged victorious at the end of a thrilling game.

It was in many ways fitting that the home side won this first playing of the Michael Davitt Cup, but Swatragh will look back with regret at having let a piece of silverware slip through their fingers.

After the match the Moy Davitts chairman presented the Michael Davitt Cup to the home sides captain Jimmy Byrne and there was also a special presentation to the Swatragh club.

Winning Captain - Jimmy Byrne

Presentation of Michael Davitt Home Turf

The whole weekend was a wonderful experience, and great credit must go to the Moy Davitt for organising and running such a wonderful event. Their hospitality throughout the weekend was of the highest order. Swatragh may have went home disappointed but an enjoyable time was had by all.