A marvellous display by team captain Billy Joe Padden, son of the former Mayo star Willie Joe, paved the way for a two-point victory by Mayo over defending champions Tyrone in the All-Ireland Vocational Inter-County senior football final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday. Padden was inspirational at centre forward as Mayo won their first title at this level in 17 years, their joy knowing no bounds at the final whistle.
Tyrone, who fielded seven of last year's winning team, lacked any real bite, particularly in their forward line. Although they played with the driving wind and rain in the first half, they were only on level terms at halftime.
For long periods in the second half Mayo dominated the game. With Padden playing a leading role, the Westerners kicked five points in a row. However, the champions refused to give up their title easily, and in a grandstand finish they cut the deficit to a minimum before Aidan Quinn scored an insurance point for Mayo to give them victory.
Mayo: F Scully; J Duffy, B Jordan, R McDermott; P Keane, P Coady, S Lindsay; S Reilly, K Lally; E Barrett (0-2), B J Padden (0-2), D Doherty (0-1); A Dillon (0-1), S Hogan (0-4), G Dillon (0-1).
Tyrone: P Ward; A McRory, R Ward, G Quinn; N Quinn, F Loughran, E Bradley; Gavin Quinn, S Hampsey (0-2); K Hughes, E Mulligan, J Cum- mings (1-1); B Collins (0-1), E McGinley (0-1), A Quinn. Sub: S Mallon (0-1) for Gavin Quinn. Referee: M Collins (Cork).
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