U-20 hurlers survive Sligo comeback to reach All-Ireland semi-final
The Roscommon U-20 hurling panel that defeated Sligo in their All-Ireland U-20 B hurling championship quarter-final at Markievicz Park on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Courtesy of Roscommon GAA
Roscommon survived a second-half onslaught from Sligo to book their place in the semi-finals of this year's All-Ireland U-20 B Hurling Championship at Markievicz Park on Saturday afternoon.
Kevin Sammon's side were in the box seat at half time, having built up what looked like an unassailable 2-11 to 0-5 lead after playing with the aid of a strong wind.
But a terrific Sligo comeback just fell short as Roscommon set up a meeting with Mayo in the last four on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Led by the superb Seán Canning who hit 1-8 over the hour, Roscommon put their opponents to the sword during the opening 30 minutes.
Paddy Fallon and Canning grabbed the goals, while Micheál Hussey and Keelan Ryan were being rewarded for their diligent work further out the field.
When Gavin Mears added a third goal at the three-quarter stage, Roscommon still looked comfortable, leading by 3-13 to 0-9.
But two penalties in the space of four minutes from Sligo full-forward Robert O'Kelly Lynch threatened to turn the game on its head as Sligo ended up closing the gap to two points in injury time.
But a superb strike from Rory Coyle stretched Roscommon's lead to three points, and the Rossies held on to keep their hopes of winning the Richie McElligott Cup alive.
