Roscommon 2-19
Clare 2-12
Peter O’Connell reports from Cusack Park, Ennis
AN OUTSTANDING RETURN of 0-9 from Donie Smith proved pivotal in helping Rocommon to a seven point win over Clare.
This was just Clare’s third home league defeat in five seasons and while Roscommon were the better team, they were significantly aided by the dismissal of Ciaran Russell.
The Clare wing back, who operated as sweeper, was red carded eight minutes into the second half.
Smith had just put Roscommon into a 1-10 to 1-8 lead and while Clare kicked some decent scores subsequently, Roscommon introduced Cathal Cregg who put away 1-1. His goal was set up by the outstanding Smith.
The winners, who go into their remaining two fixtures with a realistic chance of promotion, led 1-9 to 1-7 at half-time.
Ironically, Clare made the better start with David Tubridy goaling in the third minute, following excellent build up play involving midfielders Cathal O’Connor and Gary Brennan.
Roscommon remained calm however with Conor Devaney kicking 0-2, while Ciaráin Murtagh and Smith also put over crucial first half points.
However the key score was Diarmuid Murtagh’s goal, 13 minutes from half time. Roscommon won a Clare kick out and Murtagh played a nifty one-two with full back John McManus, before finishing superbly.
Playing in front of an attendance of 1,643, Clare rallied at times in the second half with points from Eoin Cleary, Tubridy and Sexton.
When Cathal Cregg netted Roscommon’s second goal, nine minutes form time, that all but sealed the result. Gary Brennan did raise a green flag for Clare, operating at full forward but Roscommon responded with points from Smith and Cregg to seal the result. They now sit on seven points, while Clare remain on four.
Scorers for Roscommon: Donie Smith 0-9 (0-2f), Ciaráin Murtagh 0-7 (0-6f)
Cathal Cregg 1-1, Diarmuid Murtagh 1-0, Conor Devaney 0-2.
Scorers for Clare: Eoin Cleary 0-5 (0-2f), David Tubridy 1-3 (0-3f), Gary Brennan 1-0, Keelan Sexton 0-2, Pearse Lillis 0-1, Seán O’Donoghue 0-1.
Roscommon
1. James Featherston (Roscommon Gaels)
2. Seanie McDermott (Western Gaels)
3. John McManus (Roscommon Gaels)
4. Peter Domican (St Brigid’s)
5. Ronan Daly (Padraig Pearses)
6. David Murray (Padraig Pearses)
7. Niall Daly (Padraig Pearses)
8. Tadhg O’Rourke (Tulsk)
9. Cathal Compton (Strokestown)
10. Ciarán Murtagh (St Faithleach’s)
11. Niall Kilroy (Fuerty)
12. Conor Devaney (Kilbride – captain)
13. Donie Smith (Boyle)
14. Ciaran Lennon (Clann na nGael)
15. Diarmuid Murtagh (St Faithleach’s)
Subs:
21. Fergal Lennon (Clann na nGael) for John McManus (26 inj)
20. Enda Smith (Boyle) for Niall Daly (36)
17. Brian Stack (St Brigid’s) for David Murray (48)
18. Cathal Cregg (Western Gaels) for Ciaran Lennon (57)
23. Ian Kilbride (St Brigid’s) for Tadhg O’Rourke (63)
24. Shane Killoran (Elphin) for Diarmuid Murtagh (70)
Clare
1. Killian Roche (Cooraclare)
2. Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora)
3. Cillian Brennan (Clondegad)
4. Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis)
5. Pearse Lillis (Cooraclare)
6. Ciaran Russell (Éire Óg)
7. Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg)
8. Gary Brennan (Clondegad captain)
9. Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen)
10. Kieran Malone (St Joseph’s, Miltown)
11. Eoin Cleary (St Joseph’s, Miltown)
24. Seán Collins (Cratloe)
13. Seán O’Donoghue (Cooraclare)
14. Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
15. David Tubridy (Doonbeg)
Subs:
12. Gearóid O’Brien (Kilrush) for Eoghan Collins (51)
21. Conor Finucane (Lissycasey) for David Tubridy (56)
17. Darragh Bohannon (Shannon Gaels) for Pearse Lillis (62)
23. Conal O’hÁinféin (Éire Óg) for Seán Collins (66).
Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh)