By Colm Shalvey

Sligo are through to the Lory Meagher Cup Final after their four-point win over Fermanagh in Tourlestrane on Saturday.

Kevin Banks, Larry Cadden and the returning Keith Raymond were among the scorers as Sligo made a bright start, but Shea Curran led a rally from Fermanagh midway through the first half. Two points apiece from Eoin Comerford and Raymond saw Sligo get back on the front foot before half-time, at which stage they led by 0-12 to 1-6.

Gary Cadden added a brace after the restart to push Sligo further ahead and although Curran and JP McGarry kept Fermanagh in contention, the hosts stayed on top. Fermanagh closed to within two late on, but Banks and Larry Cadden secured a second win in a week for Sligo on a 0-20 to 1-13 scoreline.

Allianz Hurling League Division IIIB winners** Lancashire **stayed in contention to progress when they finished strongly to defeat Cavan by 2-24 to 3-9 in Ballyconnell.

Ronan Crowley was again in prolific form as Lancashire built up a six-point lead by the end of the opening quarter, but a brace of goals in the last five minutes of the first half from Colum Sheanon and Anthony Sheridan brought Cavan back into the game at 2-5 to 0-14. Cillian Sheanon became the third Cavan player to find the net early in the second half and when Seán Keating added a point, the game was level.

Lancashire quickly responded, however, as Edmond Kenny’s goal gave them an advantage they never looked like letting slip.

Crowley led eight Lancashire scorers as he took his tally well into double figures once more. Cavan’s top marksman John Sheanon rounded off his side’s total late on, but there was still time for Crowley to add yet another point that ensured the Exiles had outscored their hosts by 2-9 to 0-3 in the last half-hour.

Lancashire are away to Fermanagh in round three, with a place in the top two well within their sights.

RESULTS:

Saturday, May 26

Lory Meagher Cup Round 1

Cavan 3-9 Lancashire 2-24

Sligo 0-20 Fermanagh 1-13