Castlebar Celtic 4-3 Ballyheane
 
Castlebar Celtic's Under 17 side were crowned Mayo Premier League Champions after a tremendous battle with near neighbours Ballyheane in a winner-takes-all tie. Both teams had remained unbeaten throughout the league season up until the start of this clash, but a draw was no good to seperate the sides at the top of the league, with the possibility of a play-off if such a result occurred.

It was the visitors who were out of the blocks first and put the excellent Celtic defence under severe pressure and deservedly took the lead after 10 minutes when Adam Chambers was helpless to stop a deflected shot. The YBIG sponsored hoops could have been two down only for an excellent Chambers stop shortly after from a Michael Plunkett strike. This scare seemed to wake up the home side and building from the back took over, which created a number of chances that went a begging. The Hoops levelled on 30 minutes when Noe Baba nodded home a well delivered Keith Mulchrone corner kick.

With the Celtic midfield quartet of Keith Mulchrone, Gary Walsh and the superb midfield duo of Colm Nevin and Noe Baba made to work hard for every ball, they began to take control and support the clever Jordan Loftus and Gerry Hunt who always looked dangerous. Diarmuid O'Connor was in fantastic form in the middle of the field for Ballyheane, showing his class throughout. It was Ballyheane who finished the strongest and went in at half time 2-1 upfollowing an excellent Michael Plunkett strike after Celtic failed to clear their lines. The second half was as competitive as the first but it was the Hoops who drew first blood thanks to a 30 yard thunderbolt from Gerry Hunt, his 14th goal of the season. With both teams’ defences on top, chances were at a premium and this intriguing battle of two styles, Celtic building from the back and Ballyheane with a more direct route, both having various degree of success. Celtic began to really take over and pile on the pressure, and it told when Noe Babe was bundled over in the box. Colm Nevin stepped up and confidently smashed the ball beyond Ballyheane 'keeper, Conor Touhy.

The introduction of Kenneth McDermott for Celtic on the right hand side provided fresh legs when they most needed it. But with 10 minutes remaining, another twist, as Ballyheane drew level following mix up in the Celtic defence and Jack Tuffy was on hand to toe poke the ball in to the empty to give Ballyheane an unlikely goal. The playoff looked a certainty, but credit to Celtic, they kept their heads up and went for the throat. With 2 minutes remaining a five man Celtic move involving Stephen Walsh, Noe Baba, Colm Nevin, Matthew Ruane and Jordan Loftus split the Ballyheane defence. Loftus took the ball into his stride superbly, turned, and slotted a terrific through ball into the path of Gary Walsh. Walsh composed himself under pressure, and slotted the ball beyond the reach of Conor Touhy. This move and finish was worthy to win any title. The Mayo Youths League Secretary Mr. David Breen was on hand to present the Premier League Shield to Celtic's winning captain, Stephen Walsh.
 
The management were delighted with the character and spirit the team showed on the night. "The lads were great again. It wasn't easy to pick themselves up after going behind twice, but the heads never dropped once. Even after Ballyheane's late equaliser, we went for the win and got what we deserved in my opinion. We're very proud of the group. It has been a great season and these lads are as good to watch as anything I've seen. We're looking forward to the cup final next month now so hopefully we can finish the double."

GWAN YBIG!!

Celtic Squad: Adam Chambers, Eric Eaton, Michael Hall, Matt Ruane, Steve Walsh (c), Jamie Ivers, Cian Brennan Kenneth McDermott, Noe Baba, Gary Walsh, Rory Malone, Jordan Loftus, Gerry Hunt, Patrick Boyle, Keith Mulchrone, Mark Howley