Killoe pip Colmcille to win the Longford SFC title for the 15th time

Killoe have enjoyed a tremendous winning record in the Senior Football Championship finals and that remarkable trend continued with a single point success against Colmcille in the Connolly Cup decider at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday.

Killoe Emmet Og . . . 2-9   Colmcille . . . 1-11

Recovering from the concession of a couple of goals, gallant Colmcille got right back into contention when a shot from Cathal McCabe found a way past the Killoe keeper Micheal Hughes midway through the second half as the ball ended up in the Emmet Og net.

Hit by a significant injury blow when big Fergal Sheridan was unable to play any part in the title decider, Colmcille took the lead (1-11 to 2-7) from a two-pointer free converted by Jack Macken in the 47th minute but failed to register another score during the remainder of this tense affair that came to life in the second half.

With such vast experience in a tight situation, Killoe did not panic and after the impressive Daniel Mimnagh landed the equalising point in the 52nd minute who else but impact substitute Ronan McGoldrick scored the winner, 

A well-worked move found the unmarked McGoldrick who fisted the ball over the bar in the 57th minute and that was the way it finished on a memorable weekend for the Emmet Og club who also claimed the Junior A and B football titles. 

James Moran missed a glorious goal chance for Killoe to wrap up the county title at the end of normal time and while referee Fergal Kelly played seven minutes of stoppage time, Colmcille were unable to create the opening for the equaliser in the face of stern resistance from the resilient opposing defence. 

 Having said that, there could have been a dramatic conclusion when Ger Carberry’s side were awarded a two-pointer free opportunity with the last kick of the game but the pressure shot from Jack Macken ended up wide when a conversion would have yielded a famous victory. 

Killoe just about deserved to win the senior football championship title for the 15th time in their proud history and it came as no great surprise when Daniel Mimnagh won the prestigious man of the match award for a record  fourth time, such was his immense work rate along with three points to his credit. 

Cian Farrelly was also to the fore up front, emerging with 1-2 for Emmet Og who will now face the Meath champions Summerhill in the opening round of the Leinster Club SFC in Navan on Sunday November 2. 

KILLOE EMMET OG: Michael Hughes; Liam Hughes, Darren Moffett, Evan Farrelly; James Moran, Niall Farrelly, Ryan Moffett; Mickey Quinn (0-1), Ronan Keogh (captain); Eamon Keogh, Cian Farrelly (1-2), Danny Mimnagh (0-3); Gavin Farrelly (0-1), Paddy Moran (0-1), Mark Hughes (1-0).

Subs:- Paddy Kiernan for E Keogh (37 mins); Ronan McGoldrick (0-1) for C Farrelly (51 mins); Shane Donohoe for Ronan Keogh (57 mins); Gavin Hughes for E Farrelly (59 mins); Ryan Keogh for L Hughes (sixth minute of stoppage time). 

COLMCILLE: Noel Farrell; Gerard Mulligan, Eoghan Williams, Conor Grant; Martin Mulligan, Declan Reilly, Ruairi Harkin; Vinny Hourican, Paul Farley; Seanie Smith (0-2), Cathal Reilly, Cathal McCabe (1-0); Ciaran McKeon (0-1), Jack Macken (0-7, a couple of two-pointer frees, 1 free), Barry McKeon (0-1, free).

Subs:- Eoin Hawkins for C McKeon (40 mins); Paul McKeon for P Farley (44 mins); Colin Farrelly for G Mulligan (55 mins); Dylan McCabe for M Mulligan (first minute of stoppage time); Keelan Hudson for P McKeon (fifth minute of stoppage time).

Referee: Fergal Kelly (Ballymahon).