Penalty helps Colmcille to win over St Columba's in Longford

Colmcille 1-07 St Columba's 0-08

Colmcille captured their first Longford senior title since 2008 with a dramatic win over reigning champions St Columba's at Pearse Park.

A penalty in the closing stages from Ruairi Harkin was the winning score for Colmcille. Columba’s were chasing a fifth title in seven years.

Played in wet conditions, with a swirling breeze, scores were at a premium throughout.

Colmcille were handed a boost for the start of the game, with Barry McKeon starting. The former county player had missed earlier games due to injury.

David McGivney opened the champions account with a long-range point in the early stages.

His brother James added to the tally with a point. Colmcille registered their first score when Jack Macken sent over a free.

With exchanges tight all over the field, David McGivney sent over a free in the 15th minute.

The momentum began to turn Colmcille’s way. Colmcille were awarded a free, but Barry McKeon’s shot came off the post.

In a frenetic passage of play, St Columba’s defenders made a number of important blocks, the last being on a Barry McKeon effort.

Colmcille, were, however, wasteful. Conor Grant shot wide but Cathal McCabe did find the target with a point from play.

Ruairi Hawkins followed up with an excellent point from play.

St Columba’s nerves were steadied by a Donal McElligott fisted point.

Barry McKeon was fouled in the closing stages of the half and he popped over the resulting free himself, making it 0-4 apiece at the break.

James McGivney fired over two excellent points from play early in the second half for Columba’s.

Colmcille responded with an inspirational point from Jack Macken, the 20-year old Colmcille captain.

Another excellent point, this time from the boot of Barry McKeon,