Sensational Strokestown claim Connacht glory

Strokestown 4-11 

Kilmeena 0-14

Strokestown produced their best display of the year as they romped home to claim their first adult provincial title.

This was an all round superb display as eight players found the target with Shane McGinley starring in attack while Colm Neary lorded the skies in midfield. The defence was tigerish and tenacious while Niall Curley pulled off two fine saves in injury time when the result was secured.

Yet, that typified Strokestown’s determination as they refused to give Kilmeena an inch in what was a dominant display.

Strokestown produced a terrific opening half display as two early Mikey Kavanagh scores set the tone.

Pearse McGinley’s side dominated the midfield exchanges in the opening half as that alongside the early accuracy of Mikey Kavanagh gave Strokestown a strong start.

Kilmeea stuck to their foes through early scores from Jack Carney, Darragh Slattery and John Ryan to only trail by a point after 11 minutes. But on a bitterly cold afternoon, Strokestown were warming to the task as two goals in four minutes gave them a strong platform.

Their first major came in the 14th minute as Shane McGinley’s quick free found Stephen Tighe, who sold two dummies before finding Colin Compton. The Strokestown captain had plenty to do but he rifled home a ferocious effort to the net to give his side the perfect platform to build off.

Strokestown were in again as Colm Neary claimed his side’s kickout before trying to find Diarmuid McGann. His marker John Ryan punched the ball towards his own goal with goalkeeper Paul Groden spilling possession before McGinley swept the ball home.

The Strokestown full forward line continued to get their best of their man markers as McGinley was denied twice by Groden. A McGinley two pointer gave his side an eight point lead but Kevin Finn was black carded for a trip on Jack Carney with John McGlynn slotting the resulting free to ensure Strokestown led 2-9 to 0-8 at half time.

Kilmeena were dealt a blow when Carney was forced off at half time after he picked up a knock towards the end of the opening period. Yet, the Mayo side didn’t help themselves as they missed their first four shots on goal while Keith Murphy kept the scoreboard ticking while Strokestown were down to 14 players.

There were signs of recovery when Stephen Staunton nailed a two-pointer while a Colin Hastings point ensured they trailed by just 2-10 to 0-11 after 44 minutes.

But, Strokestown refused to panic as the returning Finn kicked a settling free before the new Connacht champions put the nail in the Kilmeena coffin.

Compton produced a deft left footed pass to Cathal Lavin and although Groden thwarted him, Lavin handpassed back to Stephen Tighe who palmed to the net to give his side a 3-11 to 0-11 lead.

Kilmeena continued to struggle in attack and Strokestown sealed the deal in style as after McGinley rattled the crossbar, Evan Moran blasted home a fourth goal to spark joyous scenes among the Strokestown faithful.

**Full report and reaction in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**