Longford SFC: Abbeylara win as Mullinalaghta exit the Connolly Cup

Abbeylara . . . 1-16 Mullinalaghta St Columba’s 1-15

Ciaran Scanlon held his nerve to kick a dramatic late winner as Abbeylara defeated neighbouring rivals Mullinalaghta by the narrowest of margins in a championship classic at the Higginstown grounds on Saturday evening last.

With the sides level and another draw looking inevitable, Abbeylara earned a free which was advanced 50 metres following Mullinalaghta’s indiscretion. Scanlon confidently converted the resulting kick before St Columba’s lost possession from their final opportunity to force another equaliser.

Drawn matches have been a striking feature of this fixture throughout the century and, between neighbouring clubs who amalgamate at underage level and know each other intimately, little separation was expected.

That familiarity only added to the edge of an absorbing contest with Abbeylara securing top spot in the group and a place among the quarter-finals as the top seed and a meeting with Longford Slashers.

Frankie Dolan’s side produced an exceptional exhibition of long-range shooting during the first half, landing five two-pointers from play on their way to an interval lead of 0-11 to 1-4.

Robbie Smyth opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with Abbeylara’s first two-pointer before Sean Fagan found his range from distance. Fagan struck two superb efforts from beyond the arc during the half, while Smyth added another magnificent long-range score.

Caolan Lynch completed Abbeylara’s collection of five two-pointers with another beautifully measured strike. Fagan also registered from inside the arc as Abbeylara repeatedly punished their opponents with the quality and accuracy of their shooting.

Mullinalaghta remained firmly in contention, however, with Aron Earley finishing an excellent move to the net. Scores from Jason Matthews, Emmet Brady and Gary Rogers helped Mickey Harkins’ side reach the break just four points behind despite Abbeylara’s long-range excellence.

Harkins managed Abbeylara to Connolly Cup success in 2006 and his Mullinalaghta side emerged with renewed purpose after the restart.

Abbeylara initially maintained their cushion but Mullinalaghta gradually began to eat into the deficit, though, with David McGivney becoming increasingly influential while Matthews, Mackey and Brady also contributed to their recovery.

Captain Gary Rogers then landed a point after 45 minutes to reduce the gap to one and leave the contest delicately poised.

The game then appeared to swing decisively in Abbeylara’s favour. Rogers received a black card for a foul on Jason Kelly which was adjudged to have denied a goalscoring opportunity. The ball was advanced for a penalty and Smyth made no mistake, finding the net before following it with a fine point.

Mullinalaghta’s response demonstrated the resilience which has defined them for much of the past decade.

McGivney converted a brace of two-point frees to drag Mullinalaghta back into contention, but Cathal Gilligan’s important score pushed Abbeylara’s advantage back out to two.

Still Mullinalaghta refused to yield. McGivney landed another pressure two-point free in the closing stages to bring the teams level and leave the sizeable Higginstown crowd anticipating yet another draw between these familiar rivals.

There was one final twist as Abbeylara won the advanced free and Scanlon executed it superbly, leaving Mullinalaghta requiring one last score. They secured possession but were turned over before creating a shooting opportunity, allowing Abbeylara to celebrate a memorable victory.

Having gone 12 championship meetings without defeating Mullinalaghta, Abbeylara have now recorded back-to-back wins over their neighbours.

For 2018 Leinster champions Mullinalaghta, it is the first time since 2011 that they have failed to reach the Longford quarter-finals. They have been outstanding ambassadors for Longford football throughout that period, but Carrickedmond and Rathcline will certainly not welcome the prospect of meeting them in the relegation series.

ABBEYLARA: Barney Crawford; Bryan Masterson, Cian O’Reilly, Colin Gilna; Michael McHugh, Fergal Battrim, Mel Brady; Caolan Lynch (0-2, 1tp), Cian Brady; Padraig Berry, Sean Fagan (0-5, 2tp), Dylan Ledwith; Robbie Smyth (1-6, 2tp, 1f, 1pen), Cathal Gilligan (0-2), Ciaran Scanlon (0-1, f).

Subs:- Jason Kelly for Colin Gilna (40 mins, injured); Nigel Rabbitte for Padraig Berry (55 mins); Matthew Quinn for Mel Brady (55 mins); Colm E Smyth for Robbie Smyth (63 mins, injured).

MULLINALAGHTA ST COLUMBA’S: Patrick Rogers; Patrick Fox, Niall Woods, Michael Cunningham; Shane Mulligan, James McGivney, Gary Rogers (0-2); Connor Leonard, Donal McElligott; Emmet Brady (0-1), Cian Mackey (0-2), David McGivney (0-8, 3tpf, 1f); Aron Earley (1-0), Aidan McElligott, Jayson Matthews (0-2).

Subs:- Patrick Lynch for Aidan McElligott (53 mins).

Referee: Hugh O’Kane (Grattans).