St. Columba’s Mullinalaghta 0-14
St. Loman’s 1-09
In what has been a historic year so far for Longford Champions St. Columba’s, they advanced to the Leinster Club semi-final with two points to spare over Westmeath Champions St. Loman’s.
After claiming their first county title for 66 years the Mullinalaghta side are enjoying their debut in the provincial championship.
They were full value for their win over Loman’s showing great heart and character with James McGivney in exceptional form. When Loman’s tried to get back into the game McGivney along with his younger brother David, captain Shane Mulligan and Aidan McElligott all hit back for their side as they held on for the win.
Going in at the break two points down, Loman’s found themselves trailing by four in the early stages of the second half but Paddy Dowdall brought them back into the game with a goal in the 39th minute. John Heslin and Paul Sharry helped them to twice draw level but they couldn’t edge ahead in the second half as Mullinalaghta held on.
Mullinalaghta started well and created a number of scoring chances in the opening five minutes with David McGivney bringing a fine save out of Stephen Gallagher. Despite enjoying that possession it was Loman’s that opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a point from Shane Dempsey.
Loman’s went two ahead in the 18th minute but Mullinalaghta turned that deficit into a three point advantage with points from David (two frees) and James McGivney (one) and Jayson Matthews (one).
Heslin pulled a point back for Loman’s just before the break. They did find themselves back in the game but couldn’t get the scores they needed with Mullinalaghta keeper Patrick Rogers denying them twice.
Mullinalaghta were able to pull ahead in the final minutes with McGivney (free) and McElligott getting the vital points to set up a last four meeting with Dublin Champions St. Vincent’s.
St. Columba’s: Patrick Rogers; Simon Cadam, Patrick Fox, Michael Cunningham; Conan Brady, Shane Mulligan (0-1), Donal McElligott; Ruairi McElligott, John Keegan; Gary Rogers, James McGivney (0-5), David McGivney (0-6,6f); Jayson Matthews (0-1), Aidan McElligott (0-1), Rian Brady.
Subs: Conor McElligott for M Cunningham (46), James Mooney for S Cadam (49), Luke Meehan for R McElligott (60+4).
St. Loman’s: Stephen Gallagher; Jason O’Toole, Shane Flynn, Gerry Grehan; Gary Glennon, Paddy Dowdall (1-0), David Whelan; Kelvin Reilly, Paul Sharry (0-1); David Windsor, John Heslin (0-4,2f), Conradgh Reilly; Ronan O’Toole, Kieran Kilmurray (0-1), Shane Dempsey (0-3)
Subs: Sean Flanagan for R O’Toole (38mins), Gareth Hickey for D Windsor (58mins), Billy O’Loughlin for K Kilmurray (60+6)
Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow)
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