The Roscommon GAA Senior Football made it two wins from two in the FBD League by defeating NUI Galway in Ballyforan this afternoon.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
NUI Galway started well, scoring the opening two points before Donie Smith opened Roscommon’s account in the fourth minute. Cian Connolly equalised in the sixth minute before Niall Kilroy put Roscommon into the lead moment later. NUI Galway responded through Owen Gallagher then Smith and Connolly hit the target again to leave it Roscommmon 0-5 NUI Galway 0-3 after 10 minutes. Momentum swung back in favour of the visitors who were level again three minutes.
A period of missed chances followed for both sides before Kevin Higgins got his first of the afternoon in the 22nd minute. NUI Galway equalised in the 26th minute before Roscommon kicked five points without reply. Conor Devaney finished a great team move and that was followed by points from Niall Kilroy, Kevin Higgins, Seanie McDermott and a second from Higgins. At half-time Roscommon led by 0-11 to 0-5.
Ciarain Murtagh replaced Donie Smith at the interval and made an immediate impact, pointing a free. NUI Galway reduced the deficit to five through Mark McClean but his point was cancelled out by Conor Devaney. The students fought back again but a period of Roscommon dominance followed. Kieran Kilcline scored two in a row and Niall Kilroy added his third but a number of other chances were sent wide – 14th in total by the 53rd minute. Roscommon led by 0-16 to 0-8 and looked to be home and dry.
NUI Galway had other ideas, scoring four points on the trot, one of which came from Strokestown’s Kevin Finn. Substitute Donall Keane got Roscommon back on the score sheet with two minutes of normal time remaining. Mark Miley scored what is being referred to as “an own point” – an attempt to fist the ball away was blown back over the bar! Shane Killoran was the last Roscommon man to score this afternoon. In injury time the Elphin man finished off a team move and sent the ball to the back of the net. Michael Daly scored a consolation point deep in injury time. It finished Roscommon 1-17(20) NUI Galway 0-14.
Scorers
Niall Kilroy, Kevin Higgins 0-3 each; Shane Killoran 1-0; Kieran Kilcline, Cian Connolly, Donie Smith, Conor Devaney 0-2 each, Ciarain Murtagh, Seanie McDermott, Donall Keane 0-1 each.
Starting Team
Mark Miley; David Murray, Thomas Featherston, Seán McDermott; John McManus, Niall Daly (C), Conor Devaney; Kevin Higgins, Cathal Shine; Shane Killoran, Niall Kilroy, Fintan Cregg; Donie Smith, Kieran Kilcline, Cian Connolly.
Conor Devaney played a wing back for Roscommon today. Our Reporter got his thoughts on that and more after the game:
Roscommon host Mayo in the last group game next Sunday at 2pm in Kiltoom. A point would see them qualify for the Final, where they would face Galway.