Victory for Leitrim and Galway footballers

There were first-round wins for Leitrim and Galway, while Roscommon and IT Sligo drew in the FBD League this afternoon.

Reigning FBD League champions Leitrim opened their 2014 campaign with a 1-14 to 1-11 win over GMIT in Group B at Cloone.

Leitrim led by 0-6 to 0-3 after 15 minutes, and moved 1-8 to 0-5 ahead at half-time, with Cathal McCrann netting their goal.

The students netted a goal from Alan Meenaghan in the second half, but Leitrim done enough to hold out for victory.

Former Kildare player James Kavanagh delivered a Man-of-the-Match display for Galway, as the Tribesmen claimed a 3-10 to 0-8 win over Sligo at Tuam Stadium.

Adrian Marren opened the scoring for the visitors, but Galway worked hard, with an early Eoin Concannon goal seeing the Tribesmen in command for the bulk of the opening half.

The hosts led by 1-2 to 0-4 at half-time, and moved 3-5 to 0-4 in front early on the restart, following goals from Michael Martyn and Concannon.

Sligo worked hard to get back into contention, but Galway stood firm to deliver an 11-point win.

In Group A, Roscommon and IT Sligo shared the spoils following a keenly contested encounter, which finish 1-14 apiece at Kiltoom.

Roscommon were strongest early on, with a Conor Devaney goal helping them to a 1-6 to 0-3 lead after 25 minutes.

However, the students took control before the break with 1-3 unanswered, including an Evan Regan goal to tie the game at the break.

Little separated the counties on the restart, with IT Sligo moving two points clear, before late scores from Neil Collins and Cathal Cregg ensuring the sides sharing the spoils at the full-time whistle.

Connacht champions Mayo will face NUI Galway in the final opening-round game next Friday night at Elvery's McHale Park at 7pm.