Roscommon 3-21 Down 1-20
Roscommon overcame the challenge of Down in a high-scoring thriller in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Enda Smith, Cian McKeon and a long-ranger from Ciaráin Murtagh helped Davy Burke’s side over the line in a contest that was a brilliant advertisement for the recent rule enhancements.
Down were on top at half-time having shot a whopping six two pointers in that first half, with Pat Havern making hay with four scores from beyond the arc.
James Guinness and Ryan McEvoy also got in on the two-point act, helping them to a 1-14 to 2-6 lead at the break but they had played with the breeze.
Enda Smith of Roscommon has a shot on goal blocked by Paddy McCarthy of Down during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Roscommon and Down at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Aided by the elements, Roscommon ate into their advantage as the second half wore on.
Shane Cunnane kicked Roscommon into gear, raising an orange flag of his own with Diarmuid Murtagh, Ben O’Carroll, Eddie Nolan and Enda Smith all scoring points.
The introduction of Murtagh at half-time proved to be an inspired decision by Davy Burke as he left just one point between the teams when kicking a two pointer of his own.
Murtagh then scored a marvellous goal from distance on 60 minutes after Down goalkeeper John O’Hara had joined the attack.
Goalkeepers joining the attack has been a bug-bear for many regarding the new rules, giving teams a 'plus-one,' making it 12 vs 11 on one side of the field.
Odhran Murdock was dispossessed with the ball making its way to Murtagh, and he finished with aplomb, showing there are down-sides to the 'fly-goalie.'
#ROSvDOW 57 nóim @RoscommonGAA 3-15 (24)@officialdowngaa 1-19 (22)
Cúl báire as láthair 😵
Could this be a 6 pointer !! Goal scored from outside the arc @GAA_BEO @AllianzIreland #AllianzLeagues| #GAABEO
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/8o8gWoMoe1
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 26, 2025
It was all Roscommon from then on with a two pointer from Diarmuid Murtagh sealing the deal, putting the gloss on their 3-21 to 1-20 victory.
