Fermanagh book Tailteann semi-final with commanding victory over Sligo

Fermanagh manager Declan Bonner. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Tailteann Cup quarter-final: Fermanagh 2-25 Sligo 0-9

Fermanagh booked their place in the Tailteann Cup semi-finals with a commanding victory over Sligo at Brewster Park on Saturday.

Declan Bonner's side were dominant throughout, particularly in the opening half, when they overwhelmed the visitors with a powerful display. Shane McGullion's goal after 25 minutes helped Fermanagh establish complete control as they outscored Sligo by 1-8 to 0-1 during the final 15 minutes of the first half.

Sligo made the brighter start, with points from Alan McLoughlin and Lee Deignan putting them ahead early on. However, Fermanagh gradually settled and drew level through Mattie McDermott and a Garvan Jones free after ten minutes.

The sides were level on two further occasions before the game's momentum swung decisively in Fermanagh's favour. A 50-metre penalty awarded against Conor Sheridan was converted by goalkeeper Sean McNally, giving the home side a lead they would never relinquish.

The crucial score of the half arrived in the 25th minute when McGullion finished to the net after excellent work from Darragh McGurn. Further points from Jones and Josh Largo Ellis extended Fermanagh's advantage, while Deignan's late response for Sligo left the half-time score at 1-12 to 0-5.

Sligo attempted to mount a comeback after the restart, with McLoughlin and Niall Murphy registering points. Their best chance of getting back into contention came in the 45th minute when Cian Lally was fouled and a penalty was awarded. However, Murphy's spot-kick was brilliantly saved, preserving Fermanagh's comfortable advantage.

That proved to be the defining moment of the second half. Sligo managed just one more score, a two-point free from David Quinn, as Fermanagh continued to dominate proceedings.

The hosts added 1-10 during the final 25 minutes, with McDermott capping an impressive personal performance by scoring their second goal. Ultan Kelm was also influential during this period as Fermanagh cruised to an emphatic 21-point victory.

Fermanagh now await confirmation of their semi-final opponents, which will be determined on Monday morning.

Scorers for Fermanagh: M McDermott (1-4,2fs); S McGullion (1-1); U Kelm (0-4); G Jones (0-3,1f); C Love (0-3); S McNally (0-2,1tpf); C O’Hanlon (0-2,1tp); R McCaffrey (0-2); J Largo Ellis, C Corrigan, A Kelm, S Cassidy (0-1 each).

Scorers for Sligo: A McLoughlin (0–4,1f); D Quinn (0-2,1tpf); L Deignan (0-2); N Murphy (0-1).

FERMANAGH: S McNally; J Cassidy, O Smyth, Shane McGullion; U Kelm, R McCaffrey, J Largo Elis; C McGee, Stephen McGullion; C O’Hanlon, D McGurn, J McDade; C Love, G Jones, M McDermott.

Subs used: B Horan for C McGee (53); S Cassidy for G Jones (55); O Kelm for U Kelm (57); A Kelm for J McDade (59); C Corrigan for C O’Hanlon (62).

SLIGO: A Devaney; T Ross, L Casserly, N Mullen; C Sheridan, E McGuinness, J Lavin; G Gorman, D Cummins; C Lally, M Lavin, L Deignan; A McLoughlin, N Murphy, S Deignan.

Subs used: P Spillane for S Deignan (ht); C Walsh for D Cummins (42); S Carrabine for N Murphy (55); M McDaniel for M Lavin (55); D Quinn for L Deignan (62).

Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan).