Free scoring Monaghan deny Roscommon league glory
Diarmuid Murtagh tries to shield possession from Monaghan’s Ryan O'Toole. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Roscommon’s hopes of a fifth Division Two league title were dashed by a free scoring Monaghan side.
A flat second half display ensured Roscommon fell well short in the end after an exciting opening period saw Davy Burke’s men lead 0-12 to 0-11. The sight of Ruaidhrí Fallon being forced off before half time will put further salt in the wounds ahead of Roscommon’s Connacht Championship quarter final against London next weekend.
Roscommon were outscored 1-15 to 0-7 in the final period as Rory Beggan’s impressive long range free taking and substitute Jack McCarron’s goal off the bench ensured Monaghan claimed silverware ahead of their Ulster campaign.
Roscommon only kicked a point in the final 15 minutes, that coming from substitute Donie Smith, as the final quarter was littered with turnovers, poor shot selection and Monaghan runners piercing telling holes in the Roscommon rearguard.
Monaghan kicked six two-pointers as opposed to just one for Roscommon as their long range shooting was telling.
The opening period saw Monaghan start quicker but Roscommon found their feet as eight players troubled the scoreboard in the first half. Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh combined for five opening half scores while a brilliant Eddie Nolan effort off the outside of the left was a moment of real quality.
Roscommon led 0-12 to 0-11 at the interval but two Beggan two-point frees and a Micheál Bannigan two-pointer gave Monaghan firm control.
A Diarmuid Murtagh two pointer couldn’t stem the tide and despite Enda Smith cutting Roscommon’s arrears to just two points, 0-20 to 0-18 after 55 minutes, Roscommon fell away as Monaghan cruised to victory.
**Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**
