Mullinalaghta rally late against Carrickedmond to retain Longford SFC status

Mullinalaghta's Patrick Fox celebrates

Mullinalaghta were made to produce a stirring late fightback to preserve their Longford senior football championship status last night as they edged Carrickedmond (1-15 to 1-13) at Allen Park.

The 2021 champions showed tremendous resilience when it mattered most, finishing strongly to snatch victory after Carrickedmond had twice moved in front during a tense second-half at the Newtownforbes ground.

Mullinalaghta looked in control at half-time, leading 1-8 to 0-6 after Cian Mackey’s 23rd minute goal capped an impressive first-half display. Carrickedmond were left to rue nine wides during the opening 30 minutes, while St Columba’s did not register a single wide.

The game swung dramatically after the interval, however, with Aidan McGuire’s 49th-minute goal bringing Carrickedmond right back into contention.

Cormac Mulvey then edged Carrickedmond ahead late on, with a draw enough to secure their senior status. But Mullinalaghta refused to surrender, David McGivney converting a free before Emmet Brady restored their lead.

Liam Glennon levelled with just two minutes remaining, but St Columba’s summoned one final surge. Jayson Matthews produced a magnificent point to put them back in front before substitute Patrick Lynch added the insurance score.

Those late scores sealed the deal for Mullinalaghta, as they dug deep to retain their place Longford football’s topflight.