Tourlestrane 0-8 Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point 0-7

Tourlestrane have topped their group with four wins from four following their one point victory over Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point in Markievicz Park.

The result was enough for Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point to qualify for a semi-final place on scoring difference, thanks to their seven goal riot over St. Farnan’s the previous week.

Tourlestrane went ahead early as Liam Gaughan fisted over Paul Durcan’s crossbar inside 90 seconds.

Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point responded five minutes later, with Eoghan Smith’s mid fall shot just snuck inside the upright – his first of four on the day.

The next ten minutes saw Tourlestrane hit three points on the bounce, the first from wing back Oisin Kennedy, Cathal Henry hit one off the deck, and James Leonard hit his trademark championship score.

It would take ten minutes for the next point as the county champions found it difficult to break down the north Sligo side’s defence, marshalled by the likes of John McGowan and Neil Ewing. Gary Gaughan wormed past the challenge of Cian McBride to slot over from 25 yards.

Approaching half time, and four points between the sides, Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point gave a three minute burst before the break to bring the gap back to a point. James Donlon got the first with his left foot from the edge of the exclusion zone, before further pointed frees from the left foot of Eoghan Smith. Half time, and the score line read 0-5 to 0-4.

Ten minutes into the second half, and Smith pointed again to tie the game off his right foot, before we saw John Kelly glide through the Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point rear guard to get his first of the day. Liam Gaughan added a free before Cian Lally responded instantly, driving from deep to bring the gap back to a point.

Tourlestrane held the ball well to manage the game in the last few minutes, but needed one more score at least to give them some comfort. Again, it was Leonard who stepped up following some good work from Stephen Henry – who impressed when introduced to midfield.

Paul Durcan came up from goal twice in the closing stages to hit long distance frees – he landed the first, but his second failed to hit the target in what was the last chance for Fergal O’Flaherty’s side to salvage a draw.

In the end, a one point victory for Tourlestrane in one of the lesser exciting games of the weekend. Both teams had a job to do to make a semi-final, and will be rewarded in two weeks’ time when Tourlestrane face Shamrock Gaels in a replay of the 2019 semi-final, while Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point meet North Sligo rivals St Mary’s.

Tourlestrane scorers:

Liam Gaughan (0-2, 0-1f), James Leonard, John Kelly (0-2 each), Oisin Kennedy (0-1), Cathal Henry (0-1f).

Tourlestrane team:

Adam Broe; John Paul Lang, Barry Walsh, John Francis Carr; Oisin Kennedy, Adrian McIntyre, Noel Gaughan; Conan Marren, Feidhlim O’Donnell; James Leonard, Cathal Henry, Gary Gaughan; Liam Gaughan, John Kelly, Aiden Marren.

Subs used:

Stephen Henry, Niall Egan, Kevin O’Hara, Ronan Walsh.

Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point scorers:

Eoghan Smith (0-4, 0-3f), Paul Durcan (0-1f), Cian Lally, James Donlon (0-1 each).

Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point team:

Paul Durcan; Aaron McCormack, John McGowan, Lee Cummins; Cian McBride, Ross Chambers, Ciaran O’Reilly; Ciaran Smith, Cian Lally; Stephen Regan, Neil Ewing, James Donlon; Cian Oates, Eoghan Smith, Danny Cronin.

Subs used:

Niall Collery, Eoghan Gaughan.

Referee:

Ronan Hynes.