Hurlers produce whirlwind finish to derail Sligo

Roscommon produced a whirlwind finish to grab a sensational win over Sligo in this evening’s Connacht Hurling League encounter at the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome.

Manager Kevin Sammon saw his first game in charge of the Rossies end in dramatic fashion as injury-time goals from Seán Canning and Mickey Joe Egan procured a famous 3-23 to 2-23 victory after they turned a four-point deficit into a three-point victory.

Sligo, inspired by Gerard O’Kelly Lynch, appeared to be in the box seat after keeping their opponents at arm’s length for the bulk of the second half. But they were caught on the line by Roscommon's big finish.

Three scores from Paddy Fallon and Mickey Joe Egan (2) left Roscommon level at 0-9 apiece after 29 minutes before a goal from Fallon edged his side ahead for the first time.

But Sligo finished the second half strongly, with a goal from Gerard O’Kelly Lynch leaving his side 1-14 to 1-12 ahead at the break.

Two rapid-fire scores on the resumption by Egan brought Roscommon level but a second Sligo goal — this time from Donnachadh O’Brien — re-established the Yeats County’s advantage.

Both sides traded scores for the remainder of the half, and when Gerard O’Kelly Lynch pointed a free in injury time, Sligo were 2-23 to 1-22 ahead and seemingly set for victory.

But the Rossies produced a rousing finish with a goal from Seán Canning quickly followed by another green flag from Mickey Joe Egan. There was still time for Robbie Fallon to point a sideline to catapult his side into the semi-final against Mayo on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m..