Roscommon KO’d by last gasp goal
The Roscommon team that took on Wicklow in the Richie McElligott Cup (U-20B Hurling) quarter final. Picture: Roscommon Hurling.
Roscommon’s hopes of reaching a fourth successive Richie McElligott Cup final came unstuck as Fionn Darcy’s goal in the 81st minute saw Wicklow progress to the semi final stage.
The major was a cruel blow for a Roscommon side who had responded perfectly to Lorcan Toomey’s goal when Brian Mannion netted to move the home side two in front. However, Wicklow came down the other end as Darcy completed his hat trick to ensure Wicklow survived extra time to prevail.
Roscommon looked in control during the early stages as they raced 1-2 to no score in front as Jamie Kely stormed forward to net in the opening minute.
Despite Wicklow firing in seven opening half wides, they gradually reduced their arrears as they were aided by Fionn Darcy’s 12th minute goal. Roscommon hit back through scores from Oisin Finneran and Conor Morris (free) but the home side went off the boil in the second quarter.
Roscommon struggled in the middle third, only winning six of their 15 puckouts as Wicklow began to gain control.
They outscored Roscommon 0-5 to 0-2 in the second quarter as Darcy moved his side ahead for the first time. Roscommon’s Jamie Ryan struck over in the final action of the half to level the game at 1-7 apiece at the interval.
Wicklow continued to dictate the terms of engagement and when Lorcan Toomey netted to make it 2-11 to 1-9 after 45 minutes, Roscommon appeared to be virtually knocked out.
After Liam Naughton and Fionn Darcy traded scores, Roscommon struck the final five points of normal time to ensure an additional 20 minutes was needed. Substitute Oisin Seale grabbed two of those with Wicklow’s Keith Lawless making an excellent stop to deny the replacement a goal from the second effort.
Liam Óg Coyle ought to have found the net when he scooped over but Eoghan Morris’ point in the fifth minute of injury time ensured extra time would be needed.
Morris kickstarted the extra time scoring as Roscommon controlled the first period to lead 1-20 to 2-14 at the change of ends.
Wicklow levelled the game after Darcy netted despite a stunning Jack Ryan save to deny Willie Cash moments earlier. Roscommon appeared to be on the cusp of victory when Oisin Finneran struck over two inspirational scores to move Roscommon 3-18 to 1-22 in front.
Then chaos ensued. Ryan denied Senan Croke a certain goal but Toomey bundled the sliothar over the line from the rebound. Mannion appeared to have won the game for Roscommon but Darcy had other ideas as he ensured Wicklow will play either Mayo or Tyrone who meet tomorrow, in the semi final.
