Leitrim SFC Final: Breakthrough success for Gaels

Leitrim SFC Final

Leitrim Gaels 1-19 Ballinamore Seán O'Heslins 0-14

By PJ Leddy at Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada

Led by sparkling performances by former Derrygonnelly Harps players Ryan, Garvan and Conall Jones Leitrim Gaels claimed their first ever Leitrim title in an entertaining final at the expense of Ballinamore Sean O'Heslin's.

Paul Honeyman opened the Ballinamore account with a fourth minute point. Stephen Goldrick replied with a free for Leitrim Gaels a minute later. Leitrim Gaels edged into a three points lead by the 12 minute mark after Garvan Jones converted two frees and Donald Casey split the Ballinamore uprights.

Paul Honeyman levelled matters for Ballinamore from two frees one of which was a two pointer by the end of the first quarter. Then, Shane Moran put Ballinamore ahead when he fired over a 21st minute point

Leitrim Gaels fought back to get on level terms with points from Jamie Rynn and Conall Jones by the 25th minute. Paul Honeyman edged Ballinamore ahead with a two pointer free conversion on the 27th minute mark.

Leitrim Gaels with points from Conall Jones and Stephen Goldrick (free) levelled matters for the break when both sides went to the dressing rooms on an 0-7 each scoreline.

In the opening five minutes of the second half Paul Honeyman from a free for Ballinamore and Jamie Rynn from play for Leitrim Gaels swapped points.

Ballinamore grabbed the lead on the 38 minute mark when Wayne McKeown shot a two pointer. Over the next three minutes Leitrim Gaels got on level terms with points from Conor Guckian and Jamie Rynn.

It was still level pegging on the 42 minute mark after Leitrim Gaels Aidan Flynn and Ballinamore's Paul Honeyman (free) traded points at opposite ends. After that, David Regan put Leitrim Gaels on the road to victory when he scored the game's only goal after an Aidan Flynn shot rebounded off the Ballinamore upright into the arms of Regan.

Leitrim Gaels finished strongly with well converted Garvan Jones two pointer frees to put his side well clear. In the closing stages, Leitrim Gaels outscored Ballinamore by five points Michael McKiernan and Paul Honeyman (free) answered with points apiece for the Ballinamore men.

Scorers for Leitrim Gaels: Garvan Jones 0-8 (2 2pf, 2 f), Jamie Rynn 0-3, David Regan 1-0, Stephen Goldrick (2fs), Donal Casey, C Jones 0-2 each, Conor Guckian and Aidan Flynn 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballinamore: Paul Honeyman 0-10 (2 2pf, 3fs) Shane Moran, Donal Feely, Paul Moran, and Michael McKiernan 0 – 1 each.

Leitrim Gaels: Brian Cull; Stephen McDermott, David Bruen, Connor Guckian; Jamie Rynn, Donal Casey, Liam Chandler; Ryan Jones, Aidan Flynn; Jack Flynn, Garvan Jones, Shaun Chandler; David Regan, Conall Jones, Stephen Goldrick.

Subs: Eunan Tracey for Guckian (56), Shane Finn for McDermott (59), Ben Finn for Rynn (61), Ryan Goldrick for Bruen (63).

Ballinamore SOH: Darren Maxwell; Conor Moran, Brian Banks, Mathew Murphy; Michael McBrien, Donal Feely, Cathal McHugh: Wayne McKeon, Shane Moran; Paul Moran, Michael McKiernan, Keelan McHugh; Brian Leydon, Tom Prior, Paul Honeyman.

Subs: Naoise McManus for Leydon (HT), Patrick Connaughton for C Moran (43), Luke Murphy for P Moran (52).

Referee: Eamon Dolan (Carrigallen).