Barry McKeon goal the matchwinner as Colmcille knock Clonguish out
The 2022 county senior champions Colmcille are just one step away from making another final appearance after knocking a much fancied Clonguish side out of the Connolly Cup in a tame quarter-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday evening.
A well-taken goal from Barry McKeon, created by his brother Paul, in the early stages of the second half proved to be the matchwinner for Ger Carberry’s committed charges who were full value for the victory.
It was a disappointing exit for Clonguish who made poor use of the wind advantage in the first half and had to be content with a slender 0-5 to 0-4 lead at the break.
Much was expected of last year’s beaten finalists in the current championship campaign but it has been a struggle this season.
All Clonguish could manage in the second half was three more points, the last of which came from a free converted by Matthew Carey in the 41st minute, and Colmcille could sense that the game was there for the taking.
The North Longford club added another 1-3 to their tally in the second half to emerge victorious despite the reduction to 14 players when Barry McKeon was sent-off for a second yellow card in the 56th minute.
COLMCILLE: Noel Farrell; Gerard Mulligan, Enda Macken, Conor Grant; Ruairi Harkin (0-1), Declan Reilly, Dylan McCabe; Vinny Hourican, Fergal Sheridan (0-1); Martin Mulligan, Jack Macken (0-4, all frees), Cathal McCabe; Cathal Reilly, Paul McKeon (0-1, free), Barry McKeon (1-0).
Subs:- Philip McKeon for M Mulligan (45 mins); Shea Farley for C McCabe (injured, 45 mins); Eoin Hawkins for C Reilly (55 mins); Darren Mulligan for J Macken (fourth minute of stoppage time).
CLONGUISH: Joe O’Brien; Conor Flynn, Conor Smith, Cian Sutton; Conor Shields, Andrew Flynn (0-1), Josh Sorohan (0-1); Jamie Dorr (0-1), Peter Hanley; Cormac Flynn, Chris Gordon, Matthew Flynn; Michael Flynn (0-2, 1 free), Matthew Carey (0-3, 2 frees), Jack Duggan.
Sub:- Kevin Burke for Conor Flynn (53 mins).
Referee: Patrick Maguire (St Mary’s Granard)
Credit: Longford Leader
