Roscommon supporters experienced almost every emotion possible while following the Allianz Football League’s top scorers over the past few months.
Here are our highlights from the campaign:
Going for over or under?
Life back in Division two began with the visit of The Royal’s to Dr. Hyde Park. Seán Mullooly, playing at centre half back, showed great intelligence and confidence when, at a time when the sides were level in the first half, he laid the ball off on his 45 metre line, put the head down, raced forward, reclaimed possession 20 metres out from Meath’s goal and sent the ball high and over the goalie’s head to give Roscommon the lead. His unexpected shot was almost a carbon copy of Fintan Cregg’s goal against Mayo in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final last August in Croke Park.
Comeback Kings
Round Two was a hard fought, physical, affair between two well matched sides. Going into the final five minutes of normal time Roscommon’s six point deficit to Tipperary seemed to be written in stone. However, Diarmuid Murtagh did what he does best and rattled the net in the 33rd minute of the second half. This ignited a frenzy of scores from the visitors, with Roscommon going on to score five points without reply and bringing two points home from Semple Stadium. They also earned the new nickname of “the Comeback Kings”.
Excitement in Ennis
Impressing after being introduced in the first two games Donie Smith shook off his “super sub” tag against Clare, when he gathered a personal tally of nine points in Round Five. Cusack Park was always going to spark feelings of nostalgia in the Rossies but the skilful corner forward’s performance that day was a piece of modern day magic.
The rocket right boot
The performance Ciaráin Murtagh put in against Cavan in the first meeting of the sides was a textbook example of what a good footballer is. His support runs, decision making and not to mention the five super scores he sent soaring between the posts really increased the volume on Division One murmurs.
The Final
Like many performances throughout the competition, the League Final in Croke Park replicated the ‘never say die’ attitude this Roscommon team seem to live by. The four goals from play were thrilling to say the least – coming from corner backs, substitutes and forwards really shows the growing depth of the squad. Any day lifting silverware in the Hogan Stand is a great day and for us it was a deserved finale to the League.
What was your favourite moment from this year’s Allianz Football League? Join in the conversation, by leaving a comment on www.facebook.com/clubrossie or twitter.com/clubrossie
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