Tooreen's reign as hurling champions of Mayo came to a sensational end at McHale Park on Saturday afternoon when Belmullet claimed their first senior title.
An upset didn't look on the cards when Tooreen led by 1-9 to 0-4 at half-time, but the holders had to play into a strong wind and try and contain a razor sharp Belmullet attack in the second half.
And it was the more determined Belmullet men who nailed the vital goals two from John Sweeney and a third from Dermot Smyth, after a mistake by veteran keeper Joe Henry, who was bidding for his 26th senior medal, which turned the game around and it was Belmullet who won with some ease in the end.
Along with the goals, the deadly accuracy from long-range frees from full-back Richard Howe was to play a key part in bringing the north Mayo men to a notable triumph.
BELMULLET: D Ryder; K Barrett, R Howe (0-5), D. Lally; S Barrett, P Barrett, E Lynskey; D Sweeney, C Conroy (0-1); G McDonnell (0-4), V Murphy, A Howard (0-1); J Sweeney (2-1), D McDonnell (0-1), D Smyth (1-1).
TOOREEN: J Henry; G Greally, B Delaney, A Hession; S Ganley, P Freyne, K Greally; M Trench (0-1), Dom Greally (0-1); M Delaney, G Glavey, R Robinson; F Delaney (1-1), S Hunt (0-7); Declan Greally (0-1).Sub: J Freyne for M Delaney.
Referee: S Mac╔il (Knockmore).
