Dromard lifted the Connolly Cup in Longford yesterday, scoring a two-point victory over Abbeylara in terrible conditions at Pearse Park.

The winners' challenge for a second senior title started brightly and thanks to a ninth minute goal from Sean Hagan they held a five-point lead, 1-2 to 0-0, after 12 minutes. Maurice O'Connor and John Kiernan picked off scores for Abbeylara to keep them in touch but points from Brian Kiernan and Donie Conefrey restored Dromard's five-point lead approaching half time. Niall Sheridan goaled just two minutes before the interval for the losers but Enda Macken pointed almost immediately to give Dromard a three-point lead at the break. Abbeylara improved considerably in the second period and were back within a point by the 40th minute with scores from Terry Drake (two points) and Gearoid Fay.

However, Dromard hit back with points from James Martin and Sean Hagan giving them a 1-10 to 1-7 lead by the first minute of injury time. Arthur O'Connor pointed to reduce Abbeylara's arrears and Dromard had their luckiest escape when full forward Niall Sheridan saw his 65th minute fisted effort come back off the crossbar.

Scorers: Dromard: S Hagan (1-1), E Macken (0-4), B Kiernan and J Martin (0-2 each), D Conefrey (0-1). Abbeylara: T Drake (0-4), N Sheridan (1-0), M O'Connor, J Kiernan, G Fay and A O'Connor (01 each).

Referee: F Toher (Emmet Og).