GMIT edge nervy semi-final

GMIT booked a spot in the final of the Connacht Hurling League following a close 1-13 to 1-11 win over Mayo in Ballyheane this afternoon.

Mayo lead by 1-7 to 0-7 at the interval thanks to a goal from their full-forward Pierce Higgins.

The students upped their game on the restart however and got on top thanks to a Conor Kavanagh goal midway through the half.

Kavanagh, the Galway U-21 player, played a vital role throughout the game for the eventual winners. Mayo rallied but GMIT just managed to hold out to finish two-point winners and ensure a place in next weekend's decider.

The other semi-final between Sligo and a Galway Development side has been switched to Sunday at Tourlestrane (2pm).

Meanwhile, Roscommon ran out comfortable 8-10 to 2-6 winners over Leitrim at Woodmount in Galway, in their Connacht Shield semi-final.

Roscommon were certainly goal hungry and led by 5-7 to 0-2 at the interval thanks to two goals each from Thomas Seale and Shane Sweeney while Keith McDermott also added a goal.

Right corner forward Seale grabbed his first two goals inside the opening 22 minutes and continued to be a threatening force on the restart. He completed his hat-trick 10 minutes after the interval.

Seale's third major, along with a goal from substitute Paul Lennon, gave Roscommon a comprehensive 7-8 to 0-5 lead with 12 minutes remaining and although Leitrim rallied with two goals from Clement Cunniffe on 64 and 66 minutes, it was too little, too late as Roscommon eased home.

Roscommon will face NUI Galway in the Shield final, following their 2-13 to 1-10 win at Ballinode over Sligo IT.

The Sligo college led by 1-7 to 0-5 at the interval but the Galway outfit turned the tables in the second half to finish as six points winners.