WOMEN'S FOOTBALL:THE SUPERB Cora Staunton scored 2-8 as Mayo retained their Connacht crown yesterday at McHale Park - their fourth provincial title in seven seasons.

Staunton was the star turn with a magnificent individual scoring display and her tally was evenly spread over both halves as the All Star contributed 1-4 in the first half and an identical tally in the second.

Mayo dominated from start to finish and had two points on the board after just 90 seconds.

Sligo responded with their opening score after three minutes but, with 20 minutes gone, Mayo had the game firmly in control as they held a 1-7 to 0-3 advantage.

Staunton scored a penalty after 12 minutes and Mayo's second goal, five minutes before half-time, was finished by Lisa Cafferkey.

Mayo led by 2-8 to 0-6 at half-time and Staunton then got her second goal. Cafferkey added four points while there were points for Clare Egan, Marcella Heffernan and Fiona McHale.

Sligo must now regroup for the second round of All-Ireland qualifiers while Mayo march on.