Gaelic Games

Roscommon power past Down at the Hyde

New two-point scores put on full display at Dr Hyde Park

Roscommon's Cian McKeown celebrates a goal. Photograph: James Lawlor
Roscommon's Cian McKeown celebrates a goal. Photograph: James Lawlor
Ian Cooney
Sun Jan 26 2025 - 16:52
NFL Division Two: Roscommon 3-21 Down 1-20

Roscommon unleashed their scoring potential to run out seven-point winners against Down in a game that had everyone gasping for breath at Dr Hyde Park.

A game that featured 36 scores on a winter’s afternoon at the Hyde represented good value for money as the full repertoire of new rules was road tested in the home of Roscommon GAA.

In the end, Davy Burke’s greater quality in attack, aided by a huge impact off the bench, made the difference as Down ran out of road after a bright start that saw them lead by seven points in the early stages of the second half.

At that stage, Pay Havern had kicked four out of his side’s six two-pointers, Down were a threat going forward, and Roscommon had missed a penalty.

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But Roscommon eventually came up with the answers, capped by a memorable Ciaráin Murtagh goal into an empty net from 40 metres.

Down made full use of the breeze behind them in the opening half, kicking their six two-pointers from outside the outer scoring arc – four of them coming from impressive full-forward Pat Havern – to lead by 1-14 to 2-06 at the break.

Roscommon had made a dream start when a surging run by Enda Smith in the saw the 2023 All-Star exchange passes with his Boyle clubmate Daire Cregg before finding the net.

But Down warmed to their task and a couple of two pointers from Havern, including a long-range free, brought the Mourne men level by the eighth minute.

Roscommon's Enda Smith has a shot blocked by Down's Paddy McCarthy. Photograph: James Lawlor/Inpho
Roscommon's Enda Smith has a shot blocked by Down's Paddy McCarthy. Photograph: James Lawlor/Inpho

The visitors received a major boost in the 15th minute when Havern’s attempt for a score was half blocked and Ryan McEvoy guided the ball beyond Conor Carroll with his hand.

Roscommon grabbed a second goal in the 26th minute when Shane Killoran’s effort for a point wasn’t gathered by Down goalkeeper John O’Hare, and Cian McKeon – making his return to Roscommon colours – had the easiest of tasks to find the net.

But Down’s ability to kick two-pointers was their trump card, with McEvoy, Havern and James Guinness seeing their efforts rewarded with red flags.

Roscommon had the chance to score a third goal when Diarmuid Murtagh got the end of the flowing move and was fouled but O’Hara atoned for his earlier mistake by saving Enda Smith’s resultant penalty, with the rebound blocked out for a 45 that came to nothing.

Down defender Peter Fegan was shown a black card late in the half, but last year’s Tailteann Cup champions were looking good at the break, five points to the good.

Conor Laverty’s side, through points from Gareth McKibben and Havern, pushed out their advantage to seven points on the resumption but Roscommon eventually wrestled back the initiative.

Shane Cunnane landed his side’s first two-pointer as the Rossies ramped up the pressure.

Ben O’Carroll marked his introduction with a point and was later black-carded, while midfielder Eddie Nolan started and finished a fine move.

The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 58th minute. A great block by Colm Neary, who was making his Roscommon debut, saw Cian McKeon pick up possession. He floated a wonderful ball towards Ciaráin Murtagh who found the net from 40 yards out.

Down’s resistance was finally broken, despite points from play Paddy McCarthy and Danny Magill, but Roscommon’s third two-pointer from Diarmuid Murtagh was followed by routine scores by Murtagh (2), Donie Smith and Daire Cregg to leave the home side seven-point winners at the end of what was an enjoyable if sometimes chaotic encounter.

ROSCOMMON C Carroll; C Neary, P Frost, N Higgins; B Stack, S Cunnane (0-2, 1tp), T Lambe; E Nolan (0-01), K Doyle; S Killoran (0-1), U Harney, E Smith (1-1); D Murtagh (0-7, 1tp, 3f), C McKeon (1-1), D Cregg (0-04, 2f).

Subs: C Murtagh (1-2, 1tp) for Killoran (h-t), S Lambe for T Lambe (37 mins), B O’Carroll (0-01) for Harney (37), D Ruane for Doyle (46), D Smith (0-1) for Ruane (60).

DOWN: J O’Hare; P Fegan; R McEvoy (1-2, 1tp), HP McGeary; P McCarthy (0-1), P Laverty; E McCrickard; D Guinness, O Murdock (0-1); C Doherty, J Guinness (0-2, 1tp), D Magill (0-2); G McKibben (0-1), P Havern (0-11, 3tpf, 1tp, 2f), R Magill.

Subs: M Rooney for McGeary (27 mins), C McCrickard for E McCrickard (62), O Savage for O’Hare (66).

Referee: N Cullen (Fermanagh).