Roscommon Gaels cruise to U-20 Division One final
John McGuinness scored two goals to help Roscommon Gaels through to the Cora Systems U-20 Division One final. Picture: INPHO
Roscommon Gaels powered their way to a Cora Systems U-20 Division One county final against Michael Glaveys/Éire Óg as they overcame Boyle 3-14 to 2-8.
A first half goal from Ryan Conlon and a brace of majors from John McGuinness in the final period saw Roscommon Gaels move a step closer to winning their first title at this grade since 2013.
The town side were dominant throughout with late Boyle goals from Luke McGrath and Gavin O’Connor helping to add some gloss to the final scoreline.
Roscommon Gaels dominated the opening half as a Boyle side without |Eden Kerins struggled to deal with Conlon up front. Boyle felt they had found the net but Shay Noone’s sliding effort was adjudged not to have crossed the line.
Meanwhile, Conlon was on fire up front as he netted in the 18th minute after a one-two with Senan Lambe. A free by Conlon then left his side 1-3 to 0-1 in front with the inter county man having bagged all of his sides’ early total.
Even though Cathal McKeon hit back for Boyle, four more Roscommon Gaels scores, two from Conlon frees helped the winners lead 1-7 to 0-2 at the interval.
Despite playing against the stiff breeze in the final half, Roscommon Gaels built on their lead as a majestic Senan Lambe catch in midfield culminated in him and Finnan Devane combining to set up John McGuinness to palm to the net.
McGuinness netted again as another cheap Boyle turnover culminated in Conor Grogan picking out McGuinness who raced through to find the net. This helped the winners lead 3-11 to 0-6.
Boyle did fight back with late majors from McGrath and O’Connor but Roscommon Gaels were never in danger of being reeled in.
St. Dominic's defeated Elphin-Ballinameen 0-13 to 1-6 to progress through to an U-20 Division 2 final against Oran/St. Croan's, who defeated St. Aidan's 5-13 to 1-8 in their semi final on Saturday.
Western Gaels progressed through to the Cora Systems U-20 Division 3 final against Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry's. They defeated Castlerea St. Kevin's 2-12 to 1-9.
