Roscommon U-20s caught at the death
Rory Carthy helped Roscommon to a draw against Galway.
A late two point free from Colm Costello denied Roscommon’s U-20s their second successive victory but the draw is far from disastrous for Cian Smith’s men.
The draw means that if Roscommon draw or beat Leitrim, they will qualify for the Connacht semi finals and eliminate a Galway side that won the All Ireland minor final in 2022.
With Galway needing a win to keep their Championship aspirations alive, they made the perfect start as Sean O’Connor, who caused problems throughout with his runs from deep, teed up Colm Costello. The Roscommon full forward was thwarted by Patrick Gaynor, but Mikey Mulryan was on hand to slam the rebound to the net.
The Roscommon response was impressive as they kicked eight scores without reply. Even though they were helped by their hosts, who kicked six opening wides and saw two further goal chances go abegging, Roscommon were patient yet direct when needed.
John Curran opened Roscommon’s account while Rory Carthy kicked four points from frees in the first half with one of those a two point free. In the midst of that run, Eoghan Carthy produced a superb goal line block to deny O’Connor while the Galway wing back also saw another goal effort fly across the face of goal and wide.
Costello grabbed Galway’s first point after 29 minutes with a pointed free while another converted placed ball left Galway just three behind 0-8 to 1-2 with wind advantage to come.
Despite this, Roscommon appeared the slightly more menacing side in the third quarter as John Curran, a Rory Carthy ’45 and Conor Kelly efforts helped the visitors lead by 0-11 to 1-4.
But a Ross Coen two pointer lifted Galway while a Costello free cut the gap to the minimum. A tense period ensued but Roscommon crucially kicked the next score through Conor Kelly to help them regain the momentum before a free apiece from Dowling and Rory Carthy re-established Roscommon’s lead.
Galway fought back with two Costello scores before the drama went up another gear.
Ryan Dowling also saw an injury time goal chance hit the side netting for Roscommon while Stephen Curley hit the post as Galway sought a late winner.
Costello then stepped up to level the game with the final kick of the contest but it is unlikely to be enough to save Galway and prevent Roscommon reaching the final four.
**Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**
