Four Roads come through county final rematch
Conor Morris bagged a crucial late goal to help Four Roads to victory over St. Dominic's
Four Roads showed why they are still the side to beat as they came from nine points down to defeat St. Dominic’s.
St. Dominic’s appeared in firm command when they led 3-2 to 0-2 after 21 minutes. Mickey Joe Egan grabbed the opening goal inside a minute while two further majors from Naos Connaughton left St. Dominic’s in pole position.
Even when James Fitzmaurice’s goal capped a run of 1-2 without reply for Four Roads, Colm Lyons and an Egan free left St. Dominic’s 3-4 to 1-4 ahead at half time.
St. Dominic’s struggled to convert scorable frees in the third quarter as Four Roads outscored their foes 0-5 to 0-2 in a tense third quarter.
Two Conor Mulry scores cut the deficit to the minimum but efforts from Barry Killion and Connaughton left St. Dominic’s on the brink of victory.
However, Conor Morris slotted a free before latching on to Fitzmaurice’s through ball to rifle home. With Four Roads two up, St. Dominic’s almost stole victory in the final play of the game as Connaughton rattled the crossbar before his 20m free was blocked on the line as Four Roads pulled through.
Ryan Conlon’s 0-13 haul helped Roscommon Gaels get off the mark with a vital victory.
Despite Conlon bagging 12 frees, his side possessed a greater collective attacking threat. Although they trailed this game 1-4 to 0-6 after David Loughnane’s brilliant finish to the top corner, Conlon’s nine point opening half haul helped his side lead 0-12 to 1-7 at half time.
Conlon (free), Richard Walsh and Finn Killion gave Roscommon Gaels the perfect start to the second half as they crucially never allowed Pearses a real goal scoring chance in the second half.
The Woodmount based side grabbed just four scores in the second half while Conlon’s dead ball accuracy ensured Roscommon Gaels grabbed a crucial win.
The day’s opening game saw Athleague strike late to stay unbeaten in this year’s campaign.
Oran started brightly as Micheál Hussey went to full forward and found the net after fine work by Joseph Henry in the build up to help Oran lead 1-5 to 0-2.
Athleague gradually worked their way into the game as Cathal Crehan found the net but David McDermott’s goal after good work once more by Henry saw Oran lead 2-7 to 1-5 at half time.
Oran were squandering opportunities as they struck eight wides in the opening period and six more after the interval. Oran pushed seven points clear, but Athleague rallied as Cian Murray’s six points, five from play, helped his side move two up.
Oran earned an injury time penalty as Paddy Fallon, who finished with 1-6, fired to the net. However, Cormac Kelly nailed a pressure free from his own 65m line to ensure a sharing of the spoils.
