An impressive second-half display by a determined Leitrim almost yielded victory against a strong Monaghan side in a hugely enjoyable game at Pairc Sean Mhic Diarmada, Carrickon-Shannon, yesterday.
Both sides playing with skill and commitment on a soggy pitch which had the result in doubt to the final whistle. Monaghan scored first with a David Connolly point after 14 minutes followed by an opportunist goal by Pat Walsh a minute later. Leitrim replied with a goal after 24 minutes from Brian Carroll but Pat Walsh extended the Monaghan lead three minutes later to keep his side in front 1-2 to 1-0 at the break.
Leitrim were a transformed side in the second period and completely dominated the exchanges. Bernard Murray led the Leitrim revival with a point after nine minutes followed by three without reply from Clement Cunniffe.
Alan O'Shea added another Leitrim point to give the home side a comfortable lead going into the closing stages. However, they failed to press home their advantage and Monagahan came storming back with points from James Gallagher and two from Pat Walsh in the final 15 minutes to share the spoils.
LEITRIM: H Phelan; S Glancy, J McGowan, V McDermott; B Keane, J Kelly, J Keane; B Murray (0-1), I McGreevy; B Carroll (1-0), A O'Shea (0-1), T McLoughlin; C Cunniffe (0-3), D O'Grady, B Beirne. Subs: F Carroll for B Carroll; K Glancy for B Beirne; P Phelan for T MCLoughlin;
MONAGHAN: M McHugh; T Byrne, A Marshall, P Ward; J McConnell, T Ryan, D Bolger; D Connolly (0-1), J Gallagher (0-1); M Hanratty, P McKenna, P Callan; B O'Reilly, P Walsh, (1- 3), P Kelly. Subs: R McWade for M Hanratty; N Traynor for P McKenna; M McKenna for D Bolger.
Referee: J McGrath (Westmeath).
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