Marren helps Sligo end barren spell as they claim first Connacht minor title since 1968

Sligo 0-19 Roscommon 1-11

Luke Marren fired Sligo to their first Connacht minor football title in 53 years on a famous evening for the Yeats County's football fraternity at Dr Hyde Park.

The Bunninadden forward hit 0-11 as his side thoroughly deserved their historic success against a Roscommon side that had taken out Mayo and Galway on their way to the final.

The visitors hit the ground running, hitting five points in as many minutes before Robert O'Kelly Lynch was overturned in defence, allowing Bobby Nugent tee up Shane McGinley for a goal, and, seemingly, an avenue back into proceedings for the Rossies.

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But Sligo continued to hold the upper hand, even though a 0-10 to 1-6 interval lead hardly reflected their dominance.

Crucially, they never allowed Roscommon get back on level terms in the second half as Marren and Brian Duffy kept the scoreboard ticking over.

With seven minutes remaining, there was just a point between the sides but four unanswered points from James Donlon, Marren, Conor McMorrow (free) and Jack McGovern sealed a historic success, and a first provincial minor football crown since 1968.

SLIGO: K Davey (0-1, a 45); R O'Hehir, C Johnston, R O'Kelly Lynch; D Walsh, D McLoughlin, J Donlon (0-1); R Doherty, C Sheridan; M McDaniel, R Niland, S Rogan; L Marren (0-11, seven frees), J Flynn (0-1), B Duffy (0-2).

Subs: J McGovern (0-2) for Niland (36), S Donoghue for Rogan (46), C McMorrow (0-1, 0-1f) for Duffy (57).

ROSCOMMON: S Kelly; D Casey, J Brady, E Kerins; J McGreal, C Harley, R Hester; S Walsh (0-1), DJ Hession (0-1); S Lambe, R Conlon (0-1), O O'Flaherty (0-1); R Heneghan, S McGinley (1-2, 0-1 mark), B Nugent (0-4, four frees).

Subs: P Higgins (0-1) for Harley (36), N O'Donnell for Conlon (53), R Carthy for Walsh (56), A McGreal for O'Flaherty (59).