Leitrim made a winning start to the Tailteann Cup after beating Waterford 0-17 to 0-12 at Ballinamore.
Just a solitary point separated the sides at half-time before a dominant second-half display saw the hosts claim a five-point victory.
Leitrim made a blistering start and led 0-3 to no score inside two minutes. Tom Prior, Darragh Rooney and Ryan O'Rourke on target for the hosts.
Waterford eventually settled into the game. Jason Curry made it a one-point game on seven minutes.
The sides subsequently traded two points each before Leitrim’s Ryan O’Rourke landed three scores in succession. Suddenly, Leitrim moved four points clear.
Waterford responded impressively however. Points from Tholm Guiry, Stephen Curry and Liam Fennell left a point between them on 34 minutes.
Darragh Rooney and Michael Curry traded a point each during the remainder of the first half. Andy Moran's side led 0-9 to 0-8 at the interval.
Leitrim almost moved four points clear within three minutes of the restart. Barry McNulty saw his goal attempt saved by Aaron Beresford.
Leitrim’s momentum didn’t suffer however. Andy Moran’s men found another gear landing six scores on the trot.
Nevin O’Donnell (two), Aidan Flynn, Barry McNulty and Riordan O’Rourke were all on target.The hosts led 0-15 to 0-8 on 53 minutes.
Waterford subsequently halted Leitrim’s momentum. Two pointed frees from Alan Dunwoody made it a five-point game six minutes from time.
Nevin O’Donnell and Dunwoody traded a score each thereafter as Leitrim emerged victorious.
Leitrim Begin Their Tailteann Cup Campaign With A Win Over @WaterfordGAA
Well Done Lads 🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/C3MheBQTw9— Leitrim GAA (@LeitrimGAA) May 11, 2024
