Sligo ease to victory to crush New York dream

A brace of goals from full-forward Patrick O'Connor ensured that superior Sligo avoided a shock at the hands of New York in this one-sided Connacht championship semi-final at Markievicz Park.

In wet conditions, Sligo controlled matters to reach their first provincial decider since 2015 as New York finished with 14 players due to a second-half red card for substitute Niall Madine.

Sligo had played New York as recently as last year’s provincial quarter-final at Gaelic Park – but this was their first time to host New York at their home venue.

Sligo, this year’s Allianz Football League Division 4 champions, had won all five previous meetings with New York and with various winning margins – from last year’s four-point outcome to a 24-point victory in 2012.

New York, on a high from their first-ever Connacht championship win over Leitrim on penalties, were facing into a wet day at the Sligo town venue.

The opening exchanges were cagey but Sligo immediately put a stamp in things when O’Connor netted in the fifth minute from Pat Spillane’s pass.

Sean Carrabine’s pointed free then gave Sligo a four-point cushion as the hosts attempted to use the pace of Spillane, but New York packed their defence in an attempt to bottle up Sligo.

New York opening their account with a 12th-minute point from Adrian Varley.

Sligo, who were composed with possession, moved five points clear by the 20th minute though thanks to brace from Niall Murphy, who converted a free and kicked a classy effort from play.

New York, who were winning possession at midfield through the work of Gavin O’Brien and Johnny Glynn, notched a very good point through the former after 26 minutes, but Sligo maintained a decent lead as O’Connor and Cian Lally found the target with aplomb.

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