By Mike Fitzpatrick
Roscommon 0-12, Celtics 0-7
The first game on the card at Gaelic Park on Sunday last was this Junior Football A clash between Celtics and Roscommon. It was not the most exciting tie we’ve seen recently at the Park but Roscommon, having overcome Celtics, will not be complaining.
Celtics opened the scoring with some fine points from Alan O’ Regan, though it was only a matter of minutes before Roscommon hit back through Rory O’Donoghue, who enjoyed a great game.
Celtics hit another couple of points midway through the half, and continually threatened the Roscommon backline with some telling runs and points.
It looked as if the American side could have grabbed the championship points from their rivals, though after the break, Roscommon seemed to compose themselves a little, and really grabbed a hold of the tie.
Sign up to The Irish Echo Newsletter
Leading by three points after the break, thanks to efforts from O’Donaghue and DJ Brennan, Roscommon stamped their authority on the game and moved into a lead that became uncatchable.
O’Donaghue continued to bang them over the bar, and despite some accurate efforts from Danny O’Sullivan and Alan O’Regan, the game was over as a contest, with Roscommon walking away with a victory.
Celtics: Gary Scully, John Walsh, Kenny Cox, Brian Montgomery, Tony Rafferty (0-2), Aidan Traynor, Brendan McCormack, Kieran Traynor (0-1), Charlie Condron, Derek McKenna, David O’Sullivan, Frank Ryan, Alan O’Regan (0-1), Danny O’Sullivan (0-3), Danny McKenna
Roscommon: Brian Deacy, Paul Levins, Mike Rennicks, Joe Naughton, Declan Coyne (0-1), Pádraig Mullally, Ollie Hoare, Peter Mahon, Ken Deacon, Donie Farrell, Andy Brady, Rory O’Donoghue (0-7), DJ Brennan (0-1), Richie Maher (0-1), Joe Murray (0-2).
Man of the Match: Rory O’Donoghue (Roscommon).