Four Roads survive, St. Dominic’s thrive, Athleague arrive
St. Dominic’s overcame Pádraig Pearses in the opening round of the SHC Pic: Ger O’Loughlin
Roscommon Gaels were left to rue a tally of 14 wides, 10 of which came in the first half as they were edged out by Four Roads.
The Town side played with a stiff breeze at their backs in the first half and led 0-7 to 0-6 at half time. They will harbour regrets over their errant shooting during this period especially when Four Roads moved two points clear in the third quarter.
However, Roscommon Gaels showed fight as Finn Killion found the net to inch his side in front. Four Roads, chasing their fourth successive county title, hit back in emphatic fashion as Liam Óg Coyle found the net four minutes later as he capitalised on a short puckout gone wrong.
That pushed Four Roads 1-12 to 1-10. But Dean Conlon excelled at centre back while DJ Hession had a huge influence in proceedings. Roscommon Gaels did manage to reduce their deficit to a point late on but sub Conor Mulry, who struck two key scores in this game, fired over the final score to ensure Four Roads held on.
St. Dominic’s emerged as 3-7 to 0-11 victors over Pádraig Pearses in Knockroghery.
Two early goals courtesy of Jack Lohan and Mickey Joe Egan gave the hosts an early head start, but Pearses played themselves back into the game, trailing to 2-3 to 0-6 at half time.
It was tit for tat in the third quarter of the game, but another goal from Egan and a 51st minute red card for Pearses wing forward Jamie Donoghue ensured there was no late comeback for the visitors as Dominic’s gained revenge for their league final loss to Pearses five days prior.
Athleague came through a fiery derby with a wasteful Tremane. Gary Fallon and Tom Bannon’s side were deserving winners after overcoming a slow start.
Despite Eoghan Coyle’s goal helping Athleague gain parity after conceding the opening three points of the contest, Tremane led 1-6 to 1-2 after 21 minutes after Seamus Lynch rattled the net.
The Tremane scores dried up thereafter as Athleague struck 1-4 without reply before the break. Coyle struck again to ensure Athleague led 2-6 to 1-7 at half time.
Tremane had the wind at their backs but they registered 10 second half wides. Athleague gradually began to pull away as Cian Murray and Jack McGahon’s influences grew.
Micheal Keavaney’s side did hit back with 1-2 without reply, all from Peter Kellehan to trail by two approaching injury time but two Ben McGahon frees ensured Athleague started with a win.
**Full reports from all three games in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**
