Fr Manning U-16 Football Tournament Plate Semi-Final Match Report

Leitrim . . . 2-06 Longford . . . 0-10

A goal from Diarmuid Kelleher in the first minute of stoppage time saw Leitrim snatch a last-gasp victory over Longford in the Fr Manning U-16 Football Tournament Plate semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday last.

Kelleher also scored the goal in the first half that left his side leading by 1-4 to 0-6 at the break, with the four points coming from the boot of Jamie Quinn (three frees). Longford dominated for much of the second half but some excellent defensive work by Leitrim and some poor shot selection meant that Leitrim were always in the game. Two Jamie Quinn pointed frees left the minimum between the sides entering the final minutes. Both sides were pressing for the winning score, the Longford goalkeeper making two fine saves, both from Kelleher shots, while at the other end Donal Casey and the Leitrim defence were forcing the Longford forwards into mistakes. Kelleher then forced home his second goal in stoppage time following another Leitrim attack.

Leitrim now meet Louth in the Plate final.

LEITRIM: Sean Reynolds (St Mary’s); Tom McKeon (Fenagh), Donal Casey (Leitrim Village), Shane McGloine (Melvin Gaels); Oisin Niblock (Rinn Gaels), Eoin McLoughlin (Fenagh), Francis McGovern (Ballinamore); Jack Hughes (Annaduff), Colin Moran (Allen Gaels); Daniel Maguire (Drumkeerin), Caolan Clancy (Melvin Gaels), Tom Prior (Ballinamore); Oisin Bohan (St Mary’s), Jamie Quinn (Rinn Gaels, 0-6, five frees), Diarmuid Kelleher (St Mary’s, 2-0).

Subs:- Shaifik Ohbihi (St Joseph’s) for O Bohan (33 mins); Niall Keegan (Mohill) for O Niblock (48 mins); Conal McGovern (Fenagh) for D Maguire (55 mins).