Longford SFC: Impressive Ardagh Moydow score a famous win over Mullinalaghta

Ardagh Moydow . . . 0-23 Mullinalaghta St Columba’s . . . 2-15

On the evidence of the narrow defeat against Dromard and the subsequent draw with Abbeylara, there was certainly some hope in the Connolly Cup for last year’s Intermediate champions Ardagh Moydow and they duly delivered a famous win over Mullinalaghta at the Higginstown grounds on Saturday evening.

Showing no fear against a stunned St Columba’s outfit, the surprise packets richly deserved to come out on top in this highly entertaining SFC Round 3 clash at the excellent Granard venue and the young guns fired over the tremendous total of six two-pointers in a most impressive first half performance that was a joy to watch.

Ardagh led by 12 points (0-15 to 0-3) at one stage but St Columba’s got back into contention with a couple of gift goals from Emmet Brady and Jayson Matthews in the closing stages of the first half.

Jamie Connor (2), Emmet Donlon, Conor Hogan, Daryl Carrigy and Dylan Coady accounted for the decisive six-pointers for Ardagh Moydow who were inspired throughout the game by rock solid defender Conor Carroll who produced a man of the match display.

Towering midfielder Max Gallagher and playmaker attacker Connor Hogan were other key figures for the youthful underdogs who had to be content with a slender four-point lead (0-18 to 2-8) at the break despite their dominance.

Showing a fierce desire to succeed with spirited wing back Diarmuid Farrell also prominent, Liam Keenan’s energetic side withstood a determined second half comeback from St Columba’s who closed the gap to just two points in the tense and exciting finish to this enthralling encounter.

Ardagh Moydow could well make it through to the quarter-finals of the Senior Football Championship with their remaining group fixtures against Killoe and Rathcline and that will be a massive achievement should it happen to materialise.

Having said that, Mullinalaghta are no longer the powerful force they used to be and relegation worries will now be creeping into their minds following this unexpected defeat with Rathcline and Abbeylara still to come.

The absence of the injured Cian Mackey was a big blow for the former Leinster Club champions while there was also a significant setback for Ardagh Moydow who were forced to field without full-forward Killian Farrell and full-back Tommy Powell, both of whom are currently on the casualty list.

ARDAGH MOYDOW: Cian O’Beirne; Mark McCord, Fergal Keenan, Jack Gallagher; Diarmuid Farrell (0-2),James McGoey, Conor Carroll; Max Gallagher (0-2), Dylan Fay; Jamie Connor (0-7, brace of two-pointers from a free and play, 1 free, 1 ‘45), Dylan Coady (0-3, two-pointer from play, 1 free), Connor Hogan (0-3, 1 two-pointer from play); Emmet Donlon (0-2, two-pointer from play), Eugene Murray, Daryl Carrigy (0-4, 1 two-pointer from play).

Subs:- Gerard Farrell for J McGoey (48 mins); Derek Belton for D Fay (injured, 48 mins).

MULLINALAGHTA ST COLUMBA’S: Patrick Rogers; Patrick Fox, Niall Woods (0-1), Michael Cunningham; Conan Brady, James McGivney, Gary Rogers; Connor Leonard, Donal McElligott (0-3); Emmet Brady (1-1), David McGivney (0-7, brace of two-pointer frees, 3 frees), Shane Mulligan (0-1); Patrick Lynch (0-1), Aidan McElligott, Jayson Matthews (1-1).

Referee: Joe McDermott (Young Grattans).