Longford GAA: Mullinalaghta retain senior status as Carrickedmond are relegated

Cian Mackey on the attack for Mullinalaghta in breaking away from Carrickedmond opponent Pauric Dempsey. Action from the SFC Relegation Round 3 clash at Allen Park Photo: Syl Healy | Syl Healy

placeholder image — Cian Mackey on the attack for Mullinalaghta in breaking away from Carrickedmond opponent Pauric Dempsey. Action from the SFC Relegation Round 3 clash at Allen Park Photo: Syl Healy | Syl Healy

Peter Hanley Motors Senior Football Championship Relegation Round 3

Mullinalaghta St Columba’s . . . 1-15 Carrickedmond . . . 1-13

Making the much greater use of the scoring chances that came their way, so resilient Mullinalaghta got the win they needed to secure Senior Football Championship status in a tremendous tussle at Allen Park on Friday night.

Leading by 1-8 to 0-6 at the break with the impressive playmaker Cian Mackey scoring the goal in the 23rd minute, St Columba’s were in control with not a solitary wide as compared to 9 for wasteful Carrickedmond.

The trend of the game changed considerably in the second half with a goal from Aidan McGuire in the 49th minute looking like it might be enough for Eugene McCormack’s side to avoid the drop down into the Intermediate grade.

Carrick took the lead late on with a point from Cormac Mulvey and a draw would have kept them safe but back came St Columba's to regain the lead with scores from David McGivney (free) and Emmet Brady.

Liam Glennon landed the equaliser for Carrickedmond with two minutes remaining but Mickey Harkin’s men showed fierce character in finishing the stronger.

A magnificent point from Jayson Matthews was followed by another score from substitute Patrick Lynch to clinch a memorable victory for never-say-die Mullinalaghta.

MULLINALAGHTA ST COLUMBA’S: Patrick Rogers; Patrick Fox, Niall Woods, Michael Cunningham; Shane Mulligan, Gary Rogers (0-3, 1 two-pointer), Conan Brady; Connor Leonard, Donal McElligott (0-1), Emmet Brady (0-1), Cian Mackey (1-1), David McGivney (0-6, 5 frees); Jayson Matthews (0-1), Aidan McElligott (0-1), Aron Earley.

Subs used: Patrick Lynch (0-1) and James McGivney.

CARRICKEDMOND: Garret Higgins; Conor Mulvey, Rioch Farrell, Dermot Brady; Sean Egan, Diarmuid Kelly, Barry O’Farrell; Liam Glennon (0-2), Enda Farrell; Pauric Dempsey, Eoghan McCormack (0-4, 1 two-pointer from play), Sean Kelly; Cormac Mulvey (0-2), Aidan McGuire (1-1), Brian Mulvey (0-4, 1 two-pointer from play, 2 frees).

Sub used:- John McCormack.

Referee: Joe McDermott (Grattans).