February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mike Fitzpatrick
Longford 1-22, Clare 2-4
This senior football Div. II game, though a very entertaining one thanks to some fine exhibitionist football by the Longford forward line, was marred by a seemingly serious injury to Clare substitute Colm Kelly. Kelly appeared to turn awkwardly on one leg, damaging his knee. It’s too early yet to tell just how serious the injury is, but witnessing him being stretchered off the field was not an encouraging sight.
As a contest, this game was over quite early, with the Longford side registering a massive 15 points in the first half. Accurate shooting by the Longford players did much to kill off any hopes Clare had at gaining anything from the tie. No fewer than nine Longford players got on the scoresheet, including all six forwards, both midfielders, and half back Dessie McGoldrick, who ventured forward on numerous occasions throughout the game.
Midway through the first half, Longford took control and had registered eight points as opposed to Clare’s solitary score, struck by Paul Devlin.
Brendan Donaghue of Longford had an outstanding game, as did his teammates Kevin Lilly and Brendan Lennon. Points from Donaghue, Michael McKenna, Lilly and Michael Bishop contributed to Longford’s dominance, and Noel Lennon must surely be pleased with this phenomenal scoring rate as performed by his Longford side.
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Noel McGovern played well in the Clare backline, but despite his experience and good recent form, he could do little to stem the flow of Longford’s forwards.
Martin O’Connor produced two fine saves after the interval, one from a ferocious Jack Lynn shot. Minutes later, the Clare goalkeeper bravely dived at the feet of Michael Sheridan .
Clare introduced Luke Doyle and Colm Kelly as substitutes, and though both contributed to the game, Longford were clearly unwilling to slow down.
More subs in the form of Lanty Molloy and Gerry Healy appeared for Clare, and both immediately attempted to prevent the onslaught.
A fine second half performance by Longford’s Jack Lynn and Lilly increased Longford’s score, and Clare began to look more and more like a side waiting for the final whistle.
Longford, on this form, should do quite well this season, having pushed Clare aside with apparent ease, and having impressed in their shortened game versus Sligo a number of weeks ago, don’t be surprised to see them there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
Longford: Noel Finn, Philip Bermingham, Declan Humphries, Thomas Bermingham, Dessie McGoldrick (0-1), Derek Talbot, Barry Kavanagh, Michael Bishop (0-1), Brendan Lennon (0-2), Brendan Donaghue (0-7), Kevin Lilly (0-5), Michael McKenna (0-2), Michael Sheridan (0-1), David Phelan (1-0), Jack Lynn (0-3).
Clare: Mark O’Connor, Bobby Chambers, Noel McGovern, P.J. Colgan, Marty Moss, Niall Dillane, Brian Adams, Owen O’Loughlin, Sean Melly, Kevin Shalloo, Danny Lynch (1-0), Gerry Power (0-1), Niall Duignan (1-0), Paul Devlin (0-2), John Murtagh. subs: Luke Doyle, Colm Kelly, Gerry Healy, Lanty Molloy.