Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A: Roscommon 1-25 Longford 1-10
An excellent second half display at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday last saw the Roscommon hurlers zoom to the top of the Division 3A table with a very healthy points difference and Ciaran Comerford’s men are in pole position for a place in the league final and promotion if they can maintain this form.
The Rossies outscored their neighbours by 0-15 to 0-3 in the second period, which once again featured an excellent display from young Pádraig Pearses sharpshooter Daniel Glynn, who scored thirteen points from play and frees.
The opening score of the game was a Roscommon goal after two minutes when Eamon Flanagan flicked to the empty net after a John Murray pass. But Longford, for whom full-forward Cathal Mullane was outstanding, were always in touch in a well-contested first half.
In the 15th minute, Mullane flicked to the Roscommon net at the second attempt to reduce the margin to a point (1-3 to 1-2). Indeed the standard of the free-taking on both sides was exceptional with Glynn and Mullane both prolific. At half-time Roscommon led by 1-10 to 1-7.
Two Longford points from Karl Murray and Mullane in the opening five minute of the new half, to just one in reply from Roscommon’s John Murray, saw the margin down to two 1-11 to 1-9. But Roscommon then took over and scored 10 points without reply to end the game as a contest.
Peter Kellehan was once again impressive at full-back and Shane Curley caught the eye in the half-back line. Eamon Flanagan and Robbie Fallon gave excellent assistance to Glynn in the forward division.
Roscommon play Tyrone next Sunday and a win in that game would leave them in a very good position in the league table.
Roscommon: Joe Keane: Pat Nolan, Peter Kellehan (0-1), Micheál Byrne; Shane Curley (0-2), Paul Kenny, Darragh Heavey; Kerrill Hardiman (0-1), Cormac Kelly (0-1); Daniel Glynn (0-13, 2 ‘65’s 8 frees), Eamon Flanagan (1-4), Gearoid Keenan; Robbie Fallon (0-3), John Murray (0-1), Jason Kilkenny. Subs: Cillian Egan for Flanagan (47), Alan Moore for Heavey (53), Cathal Kenny for Fallon (63), Joe Brennan for Hardiman (66), Sean Melia for P Kenny (67).
Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway)
