First Half Leonard goal ensures Killygarry narrow victory

Killygarry - 1-9            Ramor United - 0-9

Killygarry made it through to the quarter-finals with a well-deserved win over Ramor United at Breffni Park on Saturday night. In a game which produced little, if any worthwhile entertainment for the fans, Killygarry were always a step ahead of their opponents and were grateful for the goal start from Thomas Leonard after five minutes which proved to be the score which took the Cavan rural team into the last eight.

The game lacked real championship 'bite' for the most part with scrappy, short-passing play and an innumerable number of wides. As already mentioned, Killygarry gained a massive boost five minutes after the throw-in when an attack ended with a shot for goal being blocked before Thomas Leonard made sure from the rebound.

Ramor United who relied on experienced players in Dereck McDonnell, Ray Cole and Philip Kermath, were fortunate to be only trailing by 1-1 to 0-2 after 15 minutes as the Killygarry fowards shot four wides during that opening spell.

Killygarry had another goal chance in the twenty second minute when Jamie Coffey, who was a late replacement for Fintan Galliagan, was through but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Francis Conway. At the end of an undistinguished half, Killygarry led by 1-3 to 0-3.

The fans were hoping for an improvement in the entertainment in the second-half as Keith Soden and Raymond Galligan exchanged points. Killygarry had a greater share of the play but once again failed to make use of it. Dereck McDonnell then showed some of his skill when he scored two points in two minutes but it didn't deter Killygarry who responded with similar scores from Damien Keaney and Niall Smith.

Ramor United kept their interest alive with two Keith Soden frees while Michael McGovern and Cathal Keaney replied at the other end, and with seven minutes left Killygarry maintained their three point lead. The Virginia-based side applied strong pressure in the closing minutes but all they had to show for it was a Ray Cole point. Killygarry had the final score in injury time from a Damien Keaney free.

Killygarry - M.Doherty; s.Maloney, G.Brides, P.Reilly; J.Coffey, P.Rudden, O.Smith; S.Lynch, R.Galligan (0-2), D.Keaney (0-3), N.Smith(0-1); T.Leonard (1-0), M.McGovern (0-1), A.McGovern.

Ramor United - F.Conway; R.Fitzsimons,P.Brennan, B.Fitzsimons; N.McHugo, B.Brady, P.Kermath; David McDonnell, O.Farrelly; A.Cahill (0-1), G.Daly, K.Soden (0-4), Derek McDonnell (0-2), R.Cole (0-2), S.Cole Subs: J.Brady for S.Cole, R.Keating for A.Cahill.

Referee: Joe McQuillan, Kill