Leitir Móir men pull clear after some early troubles

Naomh Anna Leitir Móir 2-13

St. Patrick’s, Dromahair 0-5

Darren Kelly in Ballinamore

NAOMH Anna Leitir Móir weathered an initial stern challenge from their opponents in this Connacht Intermediate football quarter-final last Saturday before taking control and beating Leitrim’s St. Patrick’s, Dromahair by a comfortable margin.

The sides were level 0-4 to 1-1 at the first water break, but Ciarán Óg Ó Flatharta’s team didn’t concede from play again over the remaining 45 minutes.

The Galway champions had a three-hour trek to Sean O’Heslin’s GAA Grounds, but arrived as heavy favourites against a Dromahair outfit determined to pick up a first ever provincial win.

And St. Patrick’s took it to Naomh Anna in the early stages, going ahead after just 58 seconds when Jamie Conlon’s long ball was won by Gary Fowley who claimed the mark.

Leitir Móir were still settling though they did equalise by the fourth minute. Ciaran Bairéad and Aonghus O Fatharta were instigators for Maitias Eoin Bairéad to weave a gap through enemy lines and raise a white flag. Indeed, Naomh Anna were creating opportunities and Ó Fatharta had a shot blcoked 60 seconds later.

Dromahair had the stiff breeze behind them and went back into the lead on seven minutes when Martin Feeney finished off a one-two with Michael Clancy. And another Conlon delivery straight after was taken by James Clancy who made it 0-3 to 0-1.

Leitir Móir were gradually moving through the gears and Evan Ó Fatharta nearly unlocked St. Patrick’s only for the interception of defender Kyle Harte.

The west Galway team’s patience eventually paid off on 14 minutes. Admittedly, referee Cormac Reape earned the ire of Dromahair supporters with some decisions, but Naomh Anna refused to get distracted.

A quick Dylan Seoige free towards Warren Seoige worked its way to Ó Fatharta who finished to the net to put Naomh Anna in front. James Clancy replied with an equaliser leaving them 0-4 to 1-1 at the water break.

Dromahair came out of the blocks but failed to make the necessary gains while Naomh Anna Leitir Móir were pacing themselves and ready to increase the tempo.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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