Leitrim SFC: Conor Dolan’s late free seals the title for Glencar-Manorhamilton

Balinamore hearts broken late on at Pairc Sean MacDiarmada


Glencar-Manorhamilton 0-16 Ballinamore Sean Ó Heslin’s 0-15

A pointed free by man of the match Conor Dolan deep in extra time crowned Glencar-Manorhamilton Leitrim champions after an eight year gap in an absorbing game before 3,500 at Avantcard Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannnon on Sunday.

In an explosive start, Ballinamore led by five points to one but their challenge faded as Glencar-Manorhamilton took control of the game, scoring seven points without reply between the seventh and 21st minute. Ballinamore were dealt a serious blow with the dismissal of centre half back Donal Feely in the 30th minute as Gencar-Manorhamilton led 0-10 to 0-8 at half time.

Despite being down to 14 men, Ballinamore dominated the third quarter scoring four points without reply to level matters by the 42nd minute.

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In an exciting final quarter both sides exchanged points with the game heading for a draw until Dolan’s dramatic late late point to break Ballinamore hearts.

Glencar-Manorhamilton: A McDonald, T McDonald, F Rooney (0-1), T Coyle, K McGriskin, B McDonald, P Gilmartin (0-1), D Sweeney (0-2, 2'45), P Maguire, A Croal (0-2), J Glancy, J Rooney, N Brady (0-2), E Sweeney (0-1), C Dolan (C) (0-7 4f).

Subs: G Hickey for T Coyle (20m), R Flynn for A Croal (51m), D Byrne for N Brady (58m), B Byrne for T McDonald (60m).

Ballinamore Sean Ó Heslin's: D Dolan, C Moran, O McCaffrey, M Murphy, K McHugh (0-1), D Feely, L Ferguson, N McGovern, W McKeon (0-7, 5f), M McGrory, S Moran (C),T Prior (0-1), L Murphy (0-5, 4f ), D McGovern (0-1), B McGovern.

Subs: C McHugh for M McGrory (HT), A Burns for C Moran (HT), P Connaughton for B McGovern (37m), S McTague for P Connaughton (60m).

Referee: P Guckian (Fenagh-St.Caillin's).