Roscommon cruise to facile win
Cian McKeon gets his shot away under the close watch of Seán Harkin. Picture: INPHO/Dan Clohessy
Roscommon started their year with a comfortable 18 point win as Mark Dowd’s tenure commenced on the right note.
The Rossies were always in control as four opening half goals with three coming in as many minutes midway through the first period meant the second half was merely about determining the final margin and more importantly experimenting ahead of the Division One league campaign.
Roscommon played with a directness that caused Leitrim problems throughout. The winners surged 1-4 to 0-1 ahead after nine minutes as Cian McKeon had the distinction of kicking Roscommon’s first point and opening goal of 2026.
Mark Dowd’s side dominated midfield with Conor Ryan going well while the half forward line of Dylan Ruane, Darragh Heneghan and Cian McKeon were adept at finding scores and splitting the Leitrim defence open with deft passes during the contest.
Late replacement Seán Kelly produced a fine stop to deny Leitrim’s Tom Prior in the 14th minute with Jack Kelly, who helped Manorhamilton CS reach the All Ireland PPS Senior C final, pointing the resulting free.
However, Roscommon struck 3-1 in a blistering four minute spell as Dylan Ruane punched over before Diarmuid Murtagh netted twice either side of a rasping finish to the top corner of the net by Jack Tumulty.
Just as Leitrim gained a semblance of momentum, a Cian McKeon two-pointer helped Roscommon lead 4-10 to 0-8 at half time. The sides drew the third quarter 0-4 apiece as Diarmuid Murtagh came close to completing his hat trick.
His goal attempt which flew over the bar kickstarted a run of 1-4 without reply as Oisin Cregg came off the bench to bag goal number five as Mark Dowd’s tenure started on the right note.
Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald
