Longford IFC: Second half goals clinch emphatic win for Connolly’s against Gaels

Sean Connolly’s . . . 4-9   Fr Manning Gaels . . . 1-9

The Drumlish/Ballinamuck side, thanks to a goal from Aiden Grey in the early stages of the second half, were leading by 1-8 to 1-6 but the Ballinalee boys got back on level terms with a point apiece Dessie Reynolds and substitute Trevor Murtagh.

Connolly’s were gaining control and Daniel Reynolds put his brother Dessie clean through for a crucial goal in the 49th minute. 

When Daire Duggan created the opening for Dessie to score his second goal three minutes later the writing was on the wall for the Gaels who fell even further behind when Connolly’s  substitute Stephen Lynch finished the ball to the net in the 56th minute after receiving the perfect pass from Trevor Murtagh. 

The sides were all square at the break (1-4 to 0-7) with Dylan Lynch getting the goal for Connolly’s in the 27th minute after collecting a great ball in from Dessie Reynolds and Michael Lynch’s unbeaten side are shaping up as strong contenders for the Hennessy Cup. 

SEAN CONNOLLY’S: John McKenna; John Rawle, Ciaran Mac Eoin, Michael Murphy; Sean Kenny, Sean O’Sullivan, Ronan McGreal; John Doris, Daire Duggan; Daniel Farrell (0-2), Daniel Reynolds (0-1), Darragh Earlie (0-1); Paddy O’Neill, Dessie Reynolds (2-2, 1 free), Dylan Lynch (1-2).

Subs:- Trevor Murtagh (0-1) for J Doris (45 mins); Evan Tully for R McGreal (injured, 45 mins); Stephen Lynch (1-0) for D Farrell (52 mins); Mick Devaney for P O’Neill (59 mins); Seamus Donnelly for M Murphy (60 mins). 

FR MANNING GAELS: Paddy Collum; Jamie Nertney, Cian Murphy, Paul McGee; Dean Cosgrove, JP Farrelly, Kaelum Gill; Mark Hughes, Pauric Gill (0-2); Cian Cassidy, Conor Keenan (0-4), Martin Cassidy (0-2, 1 free); Aiden Grey (1-0), Kevin Whelan (0-1), Ryan Crowe. 

Subs:- Liam Lynch for R Crowe (44 mins); Stephen Cosgrove for M Cassidy (injured, 50 mins); Orrin Greene for C Cassidy (55 mins). 

Referee: Ger Carberry (Killoe Emmet Og).