In Pictures: Sligo see off Leitrim in historic indoor game

January 04, 2022

Sligo's Mark Walsh with Ryan O'Rourke of Leitrim. ©INPHO/James Crombie.

Niall Murphy scored 1-10 as Sligo overcame neighbours Leitrim by 1-21 to 1-17 in the FBD Connacht League at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last night, the first inter-county game to be played indoors.

On a night when new Leitrim manager Andy Moran welcomed Emlyn Mulligan back into the fold, spectators at the historic match were treated to a high-scoring affair which Sligo led for the most part to earn a semi-final meeting with Roscommon at the same venue on Saturday. Mayo and Galway will meet in the other semi-final on Friday, also in Bekan.

Murphy scored an early goal, while Alan Reilly kicked some excellent points as the winners built up a 1-8 to 0-4 lead. However, Leitrim hit back with a goal from Darragh Rooney and points from Keith Beirne and Ryan O'Rourke to leave the sides level on 1-10 apiece at half-time. 

With Murphy, Pat Hughes and David Quinn on target, Tony McEntee's charges opened up a 1-17 to 1-11 lead in the third quarter before Leitrim scores from Beirne, Paul Keane, Riordan O'Rourke and David Bruen narrowed the gap.

But Sligo had the final say thanks to late points from the outstanding Murphy.

Inpho photographer James Crombie was there to capture the historic occasion:


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