February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Stamford 3-7, Leitrim 1-9
Stamford and Leitrim have become close rivals over the last few years and it surprised few that their opening encounter on Sunday was once again intense and tension filled. Leitrim will wonder how they let it slip while Stamford will be happy with their late surge.
Stamford were the better team over the hour and deserved their victory, even if it was a touch lucky. Lucky because two of their goals came from mistakes in the Leitrim defense and somehow deceived Leitrim custodiam Sean Jones.
The first half was lackluster and riddled with error. Leitrim were guilty of wayward shooting, while Stamford continued to run down cul de sacs every time they attacked. Bill Dennehy did show some signs of his prowess, but he’ll need a lot of help if the Leitrim men are to return to the hall of fame. It’s early days yet, but on Sunday Leitrim looked lethargic and lacked the passion they possessed in previous years. Stamford are an up-and-coming side and if Pauric Craven the Kildare senior stays around they have at least a reliable free taker. Richie Purcell and Keith Hennessey are solid at the back, but midfield does pose a problem for Stamford.
While Leitrim were the better side in the opening half, they still trailed by three points at the interval. Their scourge was terrible shooting when scores were there for the taking.
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While the first half was pedestrian and error-ridden, the second half was full of excitement. Stamford were moving the ball with more conviction and Meath senior Evan Kelly at last flexed his muscle. Kelly’s point taking was exemplary and his work rate went from 5 to 10 in the second half. He had a hand in all the Stamford second half scores and when he rattled the net for a magnificent goal near the end the out-of-staters were celebrating.
Leitrim: Sean Jones, Tom Long, John Walsh, Keith Murray, Kenny Cox, Pa Murphy, Mike Murphy, Cookie Meehan, Larry Keenan 0-2, Ken O’Connor, Tommy Gee 0-1, Danny O’Sullivan, Jimmy Donohue 0-2, Kieran Power 1-0, Bill Dennehy 0-4. Subs: Eoin Doherty, Andy O’Connor, Donal Fitzgibbon, Aidan Power, Dinny McCarthy.
Stamford: Enda Lohan, Philip Wickham, Keith Hennessy, Fergal O’Hanlon, PJ Lannigan, Richie Purcell, Mark Comerford, Ted Steede, Tom Moynan 0-1, Eric McDonald, Evan Kelly 1-03, Vinnie Martin, Spike Martin 1-0, Pauric Craven 0-3, Justin O’Halloran. Subs: Frank Sweeney, Cathal Boyle 0-1.