Roscommon’s challenge peters out against Donegal

Roscommon’s chances of surviving in Division 2B of the National Hurling League are hanging by a thread after a poor start and an equally unconvincing finish allowed Donegal take the spoils, 0-24 to 1-14, at Dr. Hyde Park this afternoon.

Kevin Sammon’s side handed Donegal a seven-point headstart before eventually getting stuck in to trail by only two points at the break.

Two minutes into the second half, they were in front when Brendan Mulry flicked Cian Murray’s delivery to the net. Further points from Conor Mulry and Paddy Fallon (free) handed the home side a 1-13 to 0-13 lead after 44 minutes.

But that’s as good as it got for Roscommon as Donegal, helped by fresh legs off the bench in the form of Peter Kelly, Daire O Maoileidigh and Jack O’Loughlin — who hit 0-5 between them — sauntered to victory.

Roscommon were outscored by 0-11 to 0-1 in the final 25 minutes, and with a trip to table-toppers Derry to round off their campaign next weekend, Division Three hurling is looking very likely with three teams set to be relegated from Division 2B.

*Match report and reaction in next Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald