Leitrim upset Sligo to book semi-final place

Leitrim 1-11 Sligo 0-09, Carrick-on-Shannon

Dessie Dolan Snr’s young Leitrim side set up a June 12 Connacht SFC semi-final shot at Galway as they upset Sligo 1-11 to 0-09 at Carrick-on-Shannon this afternoon.

A goal from wing forward Johnny Goldrick shortly before the break levelled things up and thanks to some well-taken points in the final quarter, Leitrim strode to a famous victory against a shell-shocked Sligo.

Dominic Corrigan’s visitors hit ten woeful wides in the first half but still managed to lead 0-06 to 0-02 after a disappointing first 28 minutes. Mark Brehony bagged three of the Yeats side’s scores.

Following a Declan Maxwell point, Leitrim midfielder Chris Carroll set up Goldrick for his goal which saw the sides back level by half-time.

Sean Davey’s second free of the afternoon pushed Sligo back in front 15 minutes into the second half, but Corrigan’s charges failed to score from then on.

Michael Foley notched two excellent frees, and then substitute Darren Duignan claimed two points from play to send Leitrim in front.

Further scores from Maxwell and James Glancy, who put the final nail in the Sligo coffin with two late points, saw the 1994 Connacht kingpins deservedly win through, despite the sending-off of Shane Foley in the closing minutes for a second bookable offence.