Roscommon turn the tables to secure semi-final spot
The Roscommon team that faced Leitrim in the TG4 All Ireland Intermediate Championship quarter final. Picture: Roscommon LGFA.
Roscommon have secured their place in the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final after a tremendous victory over Leitrim earlier this afternoon.
After losing to Leitrim by 22 points just eight weeks ago, Roscommon turned the tables on their foes in mesmerising fashion with Finbar Egan’s side producing unquestionably their best performance of the year to procure a stunning victory.
Not even Muireann Devaney’s last gasp goal could not take the gloss off a superb display from the visitors. Now an All-Ireland semi-final against Westmeath on Sunday, July 12th awaits.
Roscommon looked a different outfit from their chastening 22 point Connacht final defeat at the same Leitrim venue.
On that occasion early Leitrim goals ultimately rattled Roscommon. This time around, Roscommon struck first as Laura Mannion managed to keep possession in field. Despite the presence of three Leitrim defenders, she picked out the onrushing Caoimhe Lennon, who slid the ball beneath Michelle Guckian.
The hosts struggled with their accuracy, only converting three of their 14 scoring chances. However, Guckian slotted over a pair of two-point frees with the aid of the breeze in the opening half to ensure Roscommon never raced out of reach.
But, Roscommon were undeterred and with Saoirse Wynne effective as sweeper, Leitrim were guilty of sending long balls in on top of a Roscommon defence that had an extra body. Roscommon also controlled the middle third exchanges with Wynne’s presence helping them go short to beat the press.
Roscommon struck again after 19 minutes when Róise Lennon tried to pick out Laura Mannion. The ball hit the deck and with Caoimhe Lennon present, the ball trickled over the goal line. It won’t win a Puskas award but it was a vital goal for Roscommon.
Guckian cut the gap back to two points, but Roscommon answered back as after Caoimhe Lennon was denied by Guckian, Mannion converted a close range free after an early foul on the Roscommon attacker. This left Roscommon 2-3 to 0-6 ahead at half time with wind advantage to come.
Roscommon and Aisling Feely in particular made full use of the elements. The Boyle clubwoman kicked three scores in the first seven minutes of the final half while a Róise Lennon effort helped Finbar Egan’s side move 2-7 to 0-6 clear.
Even though Aoife Gilmartin ended Roscommon’s scoring run, the visitors continued to be tigerish in the tackle on a day when referee Paul McCaughey allowed plenty of physicality.
Róise Lennon, Laura Mannion and Ella Thompson’s superb effort left Roscommon with a scarcely believable 2-10 to 0-7 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Leitrim fought back but Helena Cummins produced an exceptional stop to deny Gilmartin. The Roscommon defence was eventually breached in the 55th minute as sub Shaylyn Ward netted.
Muireann Devaney saw a late penalty fly wide and although she atoned for that with a well taken goal, Roscommon had booked an All-Ireland semi-final spot.
A remarkable turnaround in what has been an excellent few days for ladies football within the county.
**Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**
