Longford SFC: Abbeylara stunned as outstanding Oran Kenny points the way for Rathcline in surprise win

Rathcline . . . 2-15   Abbeylara . . . 0-10

A powerful second half display gave Rathcline a very comfortable win. County player Oran Kenny had one of those games for the ages, finishing up with the most impressive total of 1-9.

Abbeylara had led by 0-7 to 0-5 at half-time and Rathcline were guilty of poor shooting. However, it was a very different story on the resumption as the Lanesboro men simply tore Abbey to shreds.

Abbeylara were left reeling and they have some soul searching to do.

Rathcline, in common with Mostrim a week before against Clonguish, simply had to win to keep their championship campaign alive. Both achieved that and this championship is delivering plenty of twists and turns.

Another central figure for Rathcline was Iarla O’Sullivan on his return from America and he continued the excellent form he has shown for Longford for the past two seasons.

Rathcline substitute Shane Kenny, back after injury, also had a big say in finishing up with 1-3.

RATHCLINE: David Mulvihill; Jacub Kajan, Harvey Myhill, Niall Keane; Daire Cox, Seadhna Ryan, Ultan O’Sullivan; Gareth Reilly, Misco Kajan; Oisin Kenny, Cronan Flood, Kian Gilmore (0-1); Iarla O’Sullivan (0-2), Oran Kenny (1-9, 5f, 1 mark), Kevin Tansey.

Subs:- Sean Casey for N Keane (half-time); Shane Casserly for Mico Kajan (41 mins); Shane Kenny (1-3, 1 mark) for K Tansey (45 mins).

ABBEYLARA: Gavin Kelly; Mel Brady, Bryan Masterson, Cian O’Reilly; Colm P Smyth, Michael McHugh, Russell Brady; Fergal Battrim, Ciaran Scanlon (0-6, 6f); Reece Reilly (0-1), Jason Kelly, Cian Brady; Robbie Smyth (0-2, 1f, 1 mark), Caolan Lynch, Cathal Gilligan (0-1).

Subs:- Cormac Smyth for R Brady (40 mins); Bernard Crawford for R Reilly (42 mins); Kevin Smyth for C Lynch (46 mins).

Referee: Tony Gaffney (Mostrim).