Hurlers' destiny in own hands after big victory against Fermanagh
Brendan Mulry hit 0-8 from play against Fermanagh at King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Two goals from Robbie Fallon alongside a couple of majors from Finn Killion and Seán Canning guaranteed a comprehensive victory against Fermanagh to leave Roscommon in a good position to reach this year’s Nickey Rackard Cup final against Mayo.
Following Sligo’s 15-point loss against Mayo on Saturday, Kevin Sammon’s side knew that a big win against Fermanagh might give them the edge on scoring difference heading into the final round of games next Saturday where Roscommon will travel to Louth and Sligo will host Armagh.
This 17-point success means that Roscommon will have a six-point headstart over Sligo heading into those games after both counties shared the spoils during their meeting in Markievicz Park earlier in the campaign.
Armagh could still sneak into the final if they beat Sligo and Roscommon lost out to Louth.
On Sunday afternoon, Roscommon had much of the heaving lifting against Fermanagh done at the break as, with the wind behind them, they built up a 2-16 to 0-7 advantage — the goals coming from Finn Killion and Robbie Fallon, while Brendan Mulry hit five points from play on his way to an eight-point personal haul.
The home side appeared to be in the perfect position to better their scoring difference even further against a side that had shipped seven goals against Sligo in their last game.
But it was Fermanagh who dominated the scoreboard for much of the new half as Seán Corrigan, Caolan Duffy and Luke McCusker hit some delightful scores.
Roscommon became sloppy in possession but they hit a couple of late goals through Fallon and Seán Canning to leave themselves every chance of reaching the final against Mayo if they do their stuff next weekend.
ROSCOMMON: E. Lawless; M. Ward, J. Dillon, D. Finn; A. Donnelly, C. Cosgrove (0-2, one ’65, one free), M. Hussey; E. Fitzgerald (0-2), J. Dowling (0-1); F. Killion (1-2), B. Mulry (0-8), C. Murray (0-4); S. Canning (1-1), C. Mulry (0-2), R. Fallon (2-4, three frees). Subs: B. McGahon (0-1) for Fitzgerald (47 mins), L. Óg Coyle for Dowling (51 mins), E. Kiernan for Killion (62 mins), J. Donnelly for Murray (65 mins).
FERMANAGH: J. Duffy; R. McGurn, R. Porteous, O. Johnston; T. Duane (0-1), R. Bogue, F. McBrien (0-1); C. Duffy (0-4), A. McShea; T. Keenan, E. Cleary (0-3), L. McCusker (0-4, two frees); S. Corrigan (0-6), J. Tormey (0-1), B. Corrigan. Subs used: U. O’Reilly for Duane (22 mins), A. Flanagan (0-1) for Tormey (55 mins), C. McManus (0-1) for Bogue (55 mins), M. Rafferty for Johnston (60 mins), S. Cleary for McGurn (65 mins).
Referee: J. Clarke (Cavan).
