Leitrim Gaels pulled off a remarkable comeback victory over Fenagh St. Caillins in the opening round of the Leitrim senior football championship.
Gaels were seven points down ten minutes into the second half before an impressive resurgence saw them win 1-7 to 0-9.
Gaels’ boss Paul Prior was impressed by the resilience shown by his team.
"Happy with the comeback all right. You don't want to be in that position too often but they showed good character," said Prior.
Explaining the turnaround can be difficult but Prior cited Shaun Chandler’s goal as a decisive moment.
“I don’t know if there was something in particular but we had been having goal chances. Eventually when we did take that one, it brought us right back in the game,” said Prior.
The goal arrived midway through the second half, just moments after David Bruen’s effort was repelled by an excellent save from Ryan Smith. At no stage however was Prior becoming despondent.
“We knew that Fenagh just couldn’t get away from us. They couldn't get the goal that might have finished us off.
“Once we stayed within touching distance going down the home straight, we always knew we had a chance. Luckily another opportunity came up.”
Leitrim Gaels face a tough assignment in round two but will have home advantage for their clash with Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins.
Prior expects a tough challenge and knows a better performance is needed against Ballinamore.
“It’s a good confidence boost to win the first game, especially when we know we didn’t play well.
“When you go away from home and win in the first round, it’s a good sign. But we know we have to be better.
“We won’t get away with that in future rounds. We know we have to be better but I know they’ll work to ensure improvement are made.
Leitrim Gaels have been knocked out of the competition at the semi-final stage in each of the last two years. Prior isn’t overly concerned about the overall picture however.
“It’s a new championship campaign. We’ll just take this game by game and see how we fare out.”
