Roscommon cruise through to Connacht semi final
Ryan Dowling helped Roscommon book their Connacht semi final spot with a facile win over Leitrim.
Roscommon booked their place in the Dalata Hotel Group Connacht U-20 semi final as they overcame an understrength Leitrim outfit.
Cian Smith’s side overcame a slightly nervy start to power past a Leitrim side who opted not to start Paul Honeyman, Ben Guckian, Darren Cox or captain Jack Foley.
Roscommon knew that if they avoided defeat, they would progress through to the last four and eliminate a Galway side that had claimed the All Ireland minor title in 2022.
The home side made no mistake as they secured a Connacht semi final with Sligo next Wednesday as they powered into an eight point half time lead having played against the elements in the first half.
From there they cruised through to a Connacht semi final as Cian Smith was able to call upon Robert Heneghan from the bench as the captain returned from injury.
Despite Leitrim having already been eliminated from the provincial championship, they started the quicker with Jack Kelly slotting over a neat two-pointer.
Roscommon gradually settled and when John Curran netted after initially being denied by Sean Carolan Morris in the Leitrim goal, the home side showed their class.
Roscommon kicked 2-4 without reply from the 16th to 29th minutes as John McGuinness and Rory Carthy (penalty) netted before a Leitrim goal from Mattie Murphy saw the winners lead 3-6 to 1-4 at the interval.
Cian Smith’s side plundered a further 2-6 without reply at the start of the second half as McGuinness and sub Brian Greene both netted. From there, Roscommon cruised as captain Robert Heneghan added a sixth goal in injury time to keep their hopes of defending their provincial crown alive.
**Full report and reaction in Tuesday's Roscommon Herald**
