Longford IFC: Sean Connolly’s in total control against Mostrim
Mulleady Group Intermediate Football Championship Group B - Round 1
Sean Connolly’s . . . 4-8 Mostrim . . . 0-7
A first half flurry of goals from Sean Connolly’s eased them to a commanding victory against Mostrim in the Intermediate Football Championship Round 1 clash on Sunday last.
Despite playing against a strong breeze in the first half at Keenan Park in Ardagh, the Connolly’s led on a scoreline of 3-5 to 0-2, the goals coming from Dessie Reynolds, Ronan McGreal and Daniel Reynolds who added another three-pointer (penalty) to his tally in the second half
It was a slow start to the game as it was 7 minutes before the first score was registered, and that was a goal from the Connolly’s captain Dessie Reynolds who crashed the ball to the net after a great run to give his side the perfect start.
Championship debutant for Connolly’s Alan Gregg then fired over a free before Mostrim evergreen Shane Kiernan split the posts to get his side off the mark and Ronan Courtney followed with a free moments later.
Then disaster struck for Edgeworthstown as Alan Gregg aimed a pass for the square and the bounce of the ball deceived Adam Connaughton which gave Ronan McGreal space and time to raise a second green flag for the Ballinalee side after 15 minutes.
It was all Connolly’s for the remainder of the first half as midfield duo Jack Reilly and Daire Duggan added a point apiece. Daniel Reynolds then opened his account as he scored his side’s third goal with 20 minutes gone on the clock.
Daniel then converted a couple of frees to send his side into the break with a comfortable 12 point cushion: 3-5 to 0-2.
Ronan Courtney converted a two-point free off the ground on the changeover but Mostrim could not gain momentum in this game. Daniel Reynolds rattled the net once again for Thomas Donoghue’s charges, this time through a penalty, and with 20 minutes still left to play, it was all over as a contest as Connolly’s led by 13 points on a scoreline of 4-5 to 0-4.
Ronan Courtney added a free for Mostrim along with another free from substitute Padraic Joyce but Connolly’s kept their foot on the pedal as sharp shooter Daniel Reynolds added another 3 points (2 frees) to bring his final total to 2-5.
A stoppage time Shane Kiernan point was the final action of the game as it was a disappointing Mostrim display after their relegation from the Senior Championship last year.
Niall Sheridan’s side now face a tough test against Fr Manning Gaels on Sunday in Páirc na nGael, Dromard, a game in which both teams will need to win to stay in the championship.
Sean Connolly’s take on Cashel in Clonbonny, Lanesboro where a win will put them in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals.
Sean Connolly’s: John McKenna; Ronan McGreal (1-0), Sean O’Sullivan, Jack Conlon; Dylan Lynch, John Rawle, Alan Gregg (0-1, free); Jack Reilly (0-1), Daire Duggan (0-1); Michael Murphy, Dessie Reynolds (1-0), Ciaran McEvoy; Stephen Lynch, Daniel Farrell, Daniel Reynolds (2-5, 4 frees, 1 goal from penalty).
Subs used: Conan Rawle for D Farrell (4 mins, injured); Sean Kenny for S Lynch (51 mins); Evan Tully for C McEvoy (56 mins); Diarmuid Rawle for A Gregg (stoppage time, injured).
Mostrim: Ciaran Garvey; Shane Sheridan, Dario Cigliano, Darragh Walsh; Alex Nugent, Shane Kiernan (0-2), Cillian Courtney; Jack Belton, James Connell; Niall Quinn, Liam Greene, Adam Connaughton; Kaylem Lynn, Ronan Courtney (0-4, 1 free, 1 two pointer free), Tiarnan Hussey.
Subs used: Thomas Doyle for K Lynn (half-time); Padraic Joyce (0-1) for T Hussey (53 mins); Fintan Coyle for N Quinn (54 mins).
Referee: Karl Nolan (Killoe Emmet Óg).