Donegal get the better of Roscommon
Conor Cox was one of Roscommon's goalscorers against Donegal this afternoon. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
The Roscommon senior footballers suffered a six-point defeat in their challenge game against Donegal, in aid of North West Hospice, at Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, this afternoon.
Jim McGuinness’ second coming as the Ulster side’s manager got off to a winning start as they prevailed by 2-12 to 2-6 on a wet and windy afternoon in the north-west.
With the wind behind them in the opening half, Donegal were 0-9 to 0-2 ahead at half time, with Jamie Brennan, Oisín Gallen and Peadar Mogan finding the target for the home side.
All Roscommon had to show for their efforts were a couple of Diarmuid Murtagh frees.
But Davy Burke’s men, with the wind and rain at their backs, unearthed more scoring traction in the second half, and Conor Cox’s goal hauled them back into contention.
But Jamie Brennan found the net almost immediately for Donegal to wrestle back the initiative.
Roscommon kept plugging away with scores from Diarmuid Murtagh and Conor Cox, and when substitute Donie Smith converted a penalty with five minutes remaining, there were only three points between the sides.
However, with Roscommon pushing hard for an equalising goal, Donegal broke up an attack, and with the last play of the game, Ronan Frain grabbed a second goal for his side to procure a six-point victory.
ROSCOMMON: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Evan Flynn, Niall Higgins; Niall Daly, Conor Hussey, Senan Lambe; Dylan Ruane, Eoin McCormack; Daire Cregg, Ciarán Lennon, James Fitzpatrick; Cian Connolly, Conor Cox (1-2, two frees), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-4, two frees). Subs: Keith Doyle, Colin Walsh, Donie Smith (1-0, a penalty), Paddy Gavin, Adam McDermott, Ronan Daly, Luke Glennon.
