Longford IFC: Vital victory for Cashel in close encounter against Killashee

Cashel . . . 0-12   St Brigid’s Killashee . . . 1-8 

Cashel kept their title hopes alive in the Intermediate Football Championship with a vital victory over neighbouring rivals Killashee with just a solitary point separating the sides in this crucial Round 6 clash at Allen Park in Newtownforbes on Friday night.

Gary Kenny’s improving side were full value for their fairly comfortable 0-7 to 0-3 lead at the break but St Brigid’s got right back into contention with a goal from defender Ronan Kavanagh in the opening minute of the second half as Ray Curley’s charges gradually got their act together.

Killashee finished the stronger and after Mark Rossiter landed the equalising score in the 57th minute, a couple of good chances were missed with Paddy Mollaghan going really close with a cracking effort that looked like going over the bar.

Back came Cashel and following a foul on the impressive Conor Farrell, the free was converted by Conor Murtagh in the 60th minute to clinch the win.  

Back in action after a lengthy injury absence was county player Andrew Farrell, who was brought on midway through the second half, and Cashel will now battle it out against Ballymore for a place in the Hennessy Cup semi-finals in the remaining group fixture. 

Killashee, on the other hand, may need at least a draw in their last game against Ballymahon to reach the last four but should make it through as it stands.  

CASHEL: Conor Skelly; Niall Casey, Dan O’Shea (0-1), Luke O’Boyle; Aidan Mulvihill, Mel Farrell, Jack Sweeney; Conor Flood (0-2), David Sweeney; Jamie Bermingham (0-1), Aidan Rowan, Rian O’Boyle; Conor Murtagh (0-3, 2 frees), Padraic Syron (0-1), Conor Farrell (0-4 1 free).

Subs:- Andrew Farrell for N Casey (45 mins); Kevin Farrell for P Syron (55 mins); Emmet Murtagh for J Bermingham (60 mins). 

ST BRIGID’S KILLASHEE: Barry Geraghty; Keelan Cox, Johnny Casey, Paddy Clancy; Ronan Kavanagh (1-0), David Buckley, Briann Farrell; Michael Farrell, Conor Clancy (0-2); Cillian Lee, Dylan Farrell (0-4, all frees), James Willis; Paddy Mollaghan (0-1), Francis Dolan, Mark Rossiter (0-1).

Subs:- Tommy Killian for J Willis (35 mins); Niall McCormack for B Farrell (35 mins); Gerard Evans for F Dolan (53 mins).   

Referee: David Tiernan (Ardagh Moydow).