Longford SFC: Sharp Killoe rattle Rathcline to remain in pole position

Killoe Emmet Og . . . 2-15    Rathcline . . . 0-7

With little at stake other than the top spot in Group 1 of the Senior Football Championship as both clubs had already qualified for the quarter-finals, the title holders Killoe remain in pole position in the race for the Connolly Cup following this comprehensive win over Rathcline at Leo Casey Park on Friday night.

The excellent new floodlights at the Ballymahon GAA grounds were shining brightly as Emmet Og produced a sharp display to rattle Rathcline who were without three of their key players currently on the injured list - notably Shane Kenny, Shane Donohoe and Kian Gilmore.

Killoe also fielded an understrength team with long term casualty Michael Quinn their most notable absentee and there is talk that the former county star could be ruled out for the entire championship campaign.

With such a strong squad to select from, few can argue with the fact that Emmet Og will be extremely hard beaten in their quest to be crowned county champions yet again.

Thanks to a cracking goal from the returning Larry Moran midway through the first half, rampant Killoe held a commanding 1-9 to 0-4 lead at the break and put the issue beyond all doubt when Daniel Mimnagh blasted the ball to the back of the Rathcline net in the early stages of the second half.    

KILLOE EMMET OG: Micheal Hughes; Gavin Farrelly (0-1), Niall Farrelly, Gavin Hughes; Shane Clarke, James Moran, Ryan Moffett; Ronan McGoldrick (0-1), Paddy Kiernan (0-2); Daniel Mimnagh (1-3, 3 frees), Denis McGoldrick, Shane McManus (0-1); Paddy Moran (0-4), Larry Moran (1-1), Mark Hughes (0-2, frees).

Subs:- Eamon Igoe for J Moran (40 mins); Ciaran Donohoe for L Moran (45 mins); Jake Donnelly for D McGoldrick (50 mins); Davin Donnelly for P Kiernan (52 mins). 

RATHCLINE: David Mulvihill; Cormac Casey, Harvey Myhill, Jakub Kajan; Niall Keane, David Rooney, Seadna Ryan; Oisin Kenny, Gareth O’Reilly; Daire Cox, Iarla O’Sullivan (0-1), Bryn Peters; Ronan English, Cronan Flood (0-1), Oran Kenny (0-5, 3 frees). 

Subs:- Kevin Tansey and Matthew Heneghan for D Cox and R English (half-time); Ultan O’Sullivan for C Casey (injured, 36 mins); Aaron Kenny for J Kajan (40 mins).

Blood sub:- R English for C Flood (44 mins); Flood back on for English (50 mins). 

Referee: Tony Gaffney (Mostrim).