Killoe maintain perfect record in Longford finals

Ronan McGoldrick was the hero once again for Emmet Óg Killoe, just like in 2023,

Longford SFC final: Emmet Og 2-9 Colmcille 1-11 

Ronan McGoldrick was the hero once again for Emmet Óg Killoe as they won their 15th Longford SFC title. Just like in 2023, McGoldrick scored the winning point for his club.

Killoe have an unrivalled record in Longford; never been beaten in the county final. Played in front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 supporters, the first half was a real battle. Gavin Farrelly and Danny Mimnagh kicked over early points for the Killoe side. Four points in a row - three from the boot of Jack Macken (one free) and a pointed free from Barry McKeon gave Colmcille the lead in the 20th minute.

Killoe drew level in the 25th minute with Paddy Moran and Mimnagh on target. Ciaran McKeon kicked over a fantastic point in the 30th minute to edge Colmcille ahead again but right before the break Killoe got a goal. Mark Hughes’ effort was saved by Colmcille netminder Noel Farrell but it crept over the line due to a deflection. Killoe held a 1-4 to 0-5 half-time lead.

The second half was an exciting contest with both teams really going for it. Killoe were ahead by four in the 33rd minute but a well-struck two-point free from Macken and two Sean Smith efforts saw Colmcille edge back in front in the 42nd minute.

The game ebbed and flowed. Cian Farrelly found the back of the net for Killoe in the 43rd minute and further points saw them extend the lead to four again. But Colmcille were still in it with a goal from Cathal McCabe and another two-pointer free from Macken. That was to be Colmcille’s last score of the game.

Man of the match Mimnagh fired over his third point of the game before McGoldrick fisted over the winning point in the 58th minute. Both sides squandered goal chances late on as Killoe held on for another Longford senior football title.

Scorers for Emmet Óg: C Farrelly 1-2, L Hughes 1-0, D Mimnagh 0-3, G Farrelly, P Moran, M Quinn, R McGoldrick 0-1 each.

Scorers for Colmcille: J Macken 0-7 (2 tpf), C McCabe 1-0, S Smith 0-2, C McKeon, B McKeon (f) 0-1 each 

EMMET ÓG: M Hughes; L Hughes, D Moffett, E Farrelly; J Moran, N Farrelly, R Moffett; M Quinn, R Keogh; E Keogh, C Farrelly, D Mimnagh; G Farrelly, P Moran, M Hughes.

Subs: P Kiernan for E Keogh (38), R McGoldrick for C Farrelly (53), S Donohoe for R Keogh (56) 

COLMCILLE: N Farrell; G Mulligan, E Williams, C Grant; M Mulligan, D Reilly, R Harkin; V Hourican, P Farley; S Smith, C Reilly, C McCabe; C McKeon, J Macken, B McKeon.

Subs: E Hawkins for C McKeon (40), P McKeon for Farley (45), D McCabe for M Mulligan (60+2), K Hudson for P McKeon (60+6) 

Referee: Fergal Kelly (Ballymahon)