THE result may have been unexpected, but Leitrim richly deserved their victory against Dublin in an entertaining and absorbing contest at Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, Carrick on Shannon, yesterday.
Leitrim had a dream start after just 40 seconds when full forward Adrian Cullen intercepted a back pass. In on goal, he opted instead to take his point.
Padraig Kenny followed up to two more points in the 5th and 7th minutes, before Eamonn Heery opened Dublin's account in the 11th minute. Keith Barr in the 12th minute and newcomer, Ciaran Whelan, in the 14th minute, restored parity.
Declan Darcy, playing a captain's role throughout, put his side back in the lead almost immediately. Another newcomer for Dublin, Ray Cosgrove, evened matters again with a 19th minute point and then came a spectacular Leitrim goal from debutante Fintan McBrien in the 25th minute.
The youngster trapped a loose ball, soccer style, 30 yards out on the left. After beating two defenders, he raced goalwards before unleashing a tremendous shot to the roof of the Dublin net.
It proved the turning point of the game as Joe Honeyman and Darcy followed up with two more points in the 27th and 29th minutes. Shay Keogh spared Dublin's blushes with two injury time points, one from a free. Jason Ward added to the Leitrim lead in the 32nd minute, providing Leitrim with a comfortable 1-7 to 0-6 lead at the break.
Dublin served notice of their intentions almost from the re start and sustained pressure yielded two excellent long range points from Brian Stynes. Leitrim replied (through Declan Darcy in the 40th minute.
The introduction of Paul Clarke to the Dublin attack had an immediate impact, but the Leitrim defence responded magnificently. Dublin were forced to make do with a 43rd minute point from Ray Cosgrove. Several scoring opportunities were squandered during this period.
Leitrim's counter attacked well. Aidan Rooney pointing a free in the 48th minute. A Clarke point from play proved to be Dublin's last.
The home side, scenting victory, held their nerve and finished with a flourish, Rooney pointing his second free of the afternoon four minutes from time to give Leitrim a famous victory.
In a team that displayed plenty of passion and commitment, Joe Honeyman, Seamus Quinn and Killian McLoughlan were outstanding in defence, while P Donohoe at midfield and Declan Darcy on the 40 were inspirational.
The best of Dublin's play came from their half back line of Paul Curran, Keith Barr and Eamonn Heery. Brian Stynes was consistent throughout and the newcomers in attack, Ciaran Whelan and Ray Cosgrove, also impressed.
