10/05/2026
The London Masters kicked off the 2026 season on Saturday by welcoming Mayo to Barnet on a glorious afternoon. Both sides had big panels available, a strong crowd had turned out, and conditions were perfect for some entertaining football.
Mayo got the first point of the game, but London responded immediately through Vinny Murphy, and another Mayo man in London colours, Kenny O’Connor, nudged London in front with a free. Mayo then enjoyed a strong ten minute spell, scoring four unanswered points and threatening to build an even bigger lead but for a brilliant save from goalkeeper Ciaran McGann. O’Connor added two more points, either side of a Mayo free, to keep London in touch.
As Mayo had their period of dominance midway through the first half, London then produced a purple patch of their own. A fantastic solo goal from Paul McDermott sparked the turnaround, followed quickly by another from O’Connor, and then a third from Naul Mullen. Three goals in five minutes completely turned the game on its head.
To their credit, Mayo settled again and finished the half with a couple more points, leaving the score at 3–4 to 0–9 in London’s favour at the break.
Mayo started the second half a bit brighter, knocking over two unanswered points before London replied through Lorcan Mulvey, who along with midfield partner Darren Gallagher had been winning a mountain of ball throughout the game. Mayo then struck for their first goal after a well worked move, but London responded immediately through O’Connor once again.
With ten minutes to go, the game was finely balanced. Dave Cannon broke past the last man with a silky run and found himself one‑on‑one with the Mayo goalkeeper. The ball looked destined for the top corner, but the Mayo keeper produced an unbelievable save with his backside. From the resulting possession, Mayo worked the ball up the field and scored their second goal, the kind of fine margins that decide football matches.
In the final few minutes, London were chasing the game while Mayo used possession wisely. O’Connor added another point for London, with Mayo responding before the full time whistle blew and Tom Gallagher got to welcome his county men to London in traditional style.
The final score was London 3-8 to Mayo’s 2-15.
Although London will be disappointed and feel the game was there for the taking, there were plenty of positives. Mayo had a strong side out and have aspirations for Tier 1 this year, and London gave them a very serious rattle.
Five debutants made their first of many appearances for the London Masters - Liam Boyce, Dave Keenan, Darren Gallagher, Kevin Clarke and former manager Kenny O’Connor, all showing well.
The squad now looks forward to a trip to Kildare in two weeks’ time, where they’ll be aiming for their first win of the season.
Squad vs Mayo: C McGann, P Donnelly, M Keane, T Gallagher, PJ Meehan, D Ryan, P McDermott, D Gallagher, L Mulvey, D Cannon, V Murphy, D Keenan, M Quinn, K O’Connor, JP O’Donnell. Finishers: F Kane, C Mone, P Downey, B Mulhearn, C Langford, A O’Connor, F Cunningham, K Clarke, G Kane, V Browne, N Mullen.
A big thanks to our main sponsors for the season, without whom we wouldn’t be able to keep these old lads togging out:
Ground Construction Limited
McCafferty’s Bars
Hamptons
Thames Reinforcements.
