An emotional Lee Keegan couldn’t contain his delight as Westport claimed their first ever Senior County title in today’s victory over Ballina Stephenites.
In a tense battle in McHale Park, it was Westport who won on a 1-9 to 1-6 score line to make history, with forward Killian Kilkelly scoring 1-4 to guide Westport to victory.
Since winning an intermediate title in 2017, Westport have gone from strength to strength as they finally claimed their long-awaited senior title, while Ballina’s long wait for glory continues.
One player who deserves this is Lee Keegan, who has suffered so much heartbreak with Mayo through the years.
30 October 2022; Lee Keegan of Westport, left, and Padraig O’Hora of Ballina Stephenites after the Mayo County Senior Football Championship Final match between Ballina Stephenites and Westport at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar, Mayo. Photo by Conor McKeown/Sportsfile
The 2016 player of the year has been one of Mayo’s most consistent performers through the years, with his trademark pace from half back causing problems for every county across the country.
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Despite achieving so much in the game, including five All Stars, a league title and several Connacht titles, a senior county title, along with an All-Ireland county title is what has escaped him.
Speaking after the game on RTÉ Radio 1, Keegan couldn’t believe what Westport had achieved today, calling it the greatest moment in his career.
“I suppose it will be in the next couple of hours that I have probably realised what the achievement we have done as a club.
It’s huge, the excitement will be massive. We went in as huge underdogs today and we preformed as the top dogs then. To be honest, we could have won the game by a bit more, but listen, today is the proudest day for the club.
You see what it means for everyone around here, and I think we put Westport on the map for senior teams in the future. This is one of the best days of my sporting career.
To share the pitch with the likes of Kevin Keane and some of the older guys, its very difficult to some up the emotion I’m going through.”
While there has been a lot of speculation if Keegan will continue to play for Mayo under Kevin McStay in 2023, the 33-year-old revealed his main focus is currently with Westport.
“Haven’t even looked at it to be honest. I’m enjoying football, I’m enjoying my family time. I’m enjoying playing football with these guys here week in week out.
I’ll make the right decision not just for myself, but for my family."
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