A late Ryan O’Rourke free sealed a decisive Leitrim win over Waterford, 1-16 to 2-8 in a hard-fought contest in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Leitrim made a sharp start and were on the scoreboard early through O’Rourke. Jack Kelly and Ben Guckain helped the hosts build momentum.
Guckain was particularly influential in the opening half, converting a number of frees before striking the game’s first goal on 27 minutes. Guckain, burying the ball to the net to give Leitrim a commanding advantage.
Waterford struggled to gain a foothold early on, failing to score for over 20 minutes. However, gradually they worked their way back into the contest.
Liam Mulligan raised a green flag midway through the half to cut the deficit. A second Waterford goal shortly before the break ensured the margin was reduced to three points at half-time. Leitrim leading 1-9 to 2-3.
Leitrim’s fitness proved late on in the second-half. Waterford upped the intensity, with Donal Fitzgerald and Stephen Curry keeping the scoreboard ticking over, while Dermot Ryan landed a crucial two-pointer to narrow the gap.
However, Leitrim responded through the accuracy of Jack Kelly and the work rate of Oisín McLoughlin and Riordan O’Rourke.
As the game entered the final quarter, the sides were level, but Leitrim showed composure in the closing stages.
Kelly landed a vital point before O’Rourke fisted over another to regain the lead. With time almost up, O’Rourke calmly slotted a late free to seal the victory, despite Waterford staying within striking distance right to the final whistle.
