The Roscommon Minor Footballers bowed out of the 2016 Connacht Championship with a 3-11 to 1-7 defeat to Galway.
Like Saturday’s game against Sligo, Roscommon found themselves with a mountain to climb from the word go, conceding 1-1 in the opening five minutes. The goal, from a penalty, was scored by Evan Murphy who was rampant throughout the first half, accounting for 2-3 of Galway’s total. Roscommon’s first half points (two) came from Daniel Glynn and Ciaran Lennon. The impact of playing two intense Championship games in four days was visible throughout with Galway appearing much fresher and stronger. At half-time the scoreline stood at Roscommon 0-2 Galway 2-7 which flattered Galway to a certain extent. Roscommon did create attacking chances but many ended due to handling errors.
One would have to question why the Quarter-Final could now have been played before the Leaving Cert began, as was the case in other provinces.
A brighter start
Roscommon’s second half performance was much better. They scored the first three points of the half courtesy of frees from Ciaran Lennon and James Fetherstone and a Cathal Heneghan point from play. Moments later Michael McGloin had a fine shot on goal saved by Galway keeper. Then it was Galway’s turn to apply some pressure. They got their first point of the half in the 48th minute and shortly after a fine save from Liam Cregg prevented Goal number three.
Substitute Brian Derwin converted a penalty in the 54th minute to leave it 1-5 to 2-8 but Galway replied almost immediately with a point. With less than five minutes remaining the action was “end to end”. A Ciaran Lennon point from play followed by a ’45 from Goalkeeper Liam Cregg reduced Galway’s lead to six. At the end of normal time a pointed free by Galway increased the lead to seven by Roscommon didn’t give up. A fine move saw Lorcan Daly get into a shooting position but his volley was saved. With Roscommon pushing for scores Galway sealed their win when a three on two counter attack ended in Galway’s third goal.
Final score
Roscommon 1-7 Galway 3-11.
Galway will play Mayo in the Final. They defeated Leitrim by 4-11 to 1-8.
Team and scorers
Galway will play Mayo in the Final. They defeated Leitrim by 4-11 to 1-8.
Team and scorers
1 Liam Cregg, Micheal Glaveys (0-1) (’45)
2 Adam Whyte, St. Ciarans
3 Aidan Dowd, Western Gaels (C)
4 Damien Duff, Clann na nGael
5 Lorcan Daly, Padraig Pearses
6 Sean Fallon, Clann na nGael
7 James Fetherstone, Roscommon Gaels (0-1f)
8 Luke Mollahan, Elphin
9 Conor Shanagher, Kilbride
10 Keith Murphy, Strokestown
11 Daniel Glynn, Padraig Pearses (0-1f)
12 Michael McGloin, St. Dominics
22 Pauric Halpin, St Barrys
14 Ciarán Lennon, Clann na nGael (0-3, 1f)
15 Cian McKeon, Boyle
Subs used
Cathal Heneghan (0-1f)(Michael Glaveys), for Glynn.
Niall Murray (St Brigids), for Mollahan.
Brian Derwin (1-0, pen) (St Brigids), for McKeon.
Fergal Guihan (St Ronans) for Halpin