Colmcille booked a place in the Longford SFC quarter-finals with a straight forward win over Granard on Saturday evening.
Colmcille made it three-wins from three with a 2-21 to 4-6 victory. However, even though Colmcille led by 11-points with three minutes remaining, they were given an early scare.
A Darren Gallagher penalty and a Charlie Martin goal helped Granard into an early 2-3 to three-point lead. Darran Gallagher, Dylan Reilly and a Jamie Brady Hynes free totalling Granard’s score.
However, Colmcille were able to rally. Two two-pointers from Barry McKeon and a two-pointer each from Ruairi Harkin and Sean Smyth plus a Fergal Sheridan point had Colmcille back in the game.
The game moved in Colmcille favours a minute before half-time. Cathal McCabe was brought to the ground in the large square. Gerard Mulligan stepped up to convert the penalty.
Colmcille led 1-9 to 2-3 at half-time. A point from play and a converted free from Barry McKeon with a Sean Smith point extended the lead to eight points, four minutes after the restart.
However, Granard wouldn’t lie down. Jordan Martin was fouled in the square. Gallagher converted his second penalty to make it 1-14 to 3-3.
Indeed, this was the que for Colmcille to turn on the after burners. A Barry McKeon free was followed by a Jack Macken free (defensive breach) and a Macken point from play.
Barry McKeon pulls the strings for Colmcille
Fergal Harkin and Barry McKeon (free) moved Colmcille 1-19 to 3-3 ahead on 53 minutes.
Cathal McCabe did all the spade work before smashing home Colmcille’s second goal four minutes from time as Colmcille led by 13-points.
Ben Blessington landed a very good two-pointer 60 seconds later for Granard’s first score in 22 minutes.
Blessington grabbed Granard’s fourth goal of the game moments later at the third time of asking as Colmcille did their best to keep him out.
Fergal Sheridan sent over a point in injury time with Daniel Creegan responding with a point. Patrick Hynes wrapped up the scoring in the fourth minute of injury time as Colmcille won out 2-21 to 4-6.
Colmcille book their place in the Longford SFC quarter-finals after winning their third game in a row. Elsewhere, Ratchline booked a place in the quarter-finals with a win over Fr. Manning Gaels.
