St. Mary’s Kiltoghert began the defence of their Leitrim senior football crown with a comfortable 1-13 to 0-5 victory away to Gortletteragh.
The visitors were the dominant force throughout but were still only three points clear at half-time.
The reigning champions hit six first-half wide's compared to just one in the second-half. Improved shooting efficiency proving the catalyst for a convincing victory.
St. Mary’s led 0-5 to 0-1 on 25 minutes. Jack Barnes, Conor Hackett, Gavin Reynolds, Sam Barnes and Ben Guckian were all on target.
Points from Francie Flynn and Jack Heslin saw the hosts halve the deficit on the hour mark. Guckian replied on the stroke of half-time making it 0-6 to 0-3.
Champions spring through second-half
Oisin Bohan’s pointed free eight minutes into the second-half saw St. Mary’s open up a six-point gap. The visitors subsequently endured a barren spell spanning ten minutes.
However, Gortletteragh only managed one point during that period. A pointed free by Flynn on 41 minutes.
Hackett replied for St. Mary’s on 48 minutes and three minutes later, Guckian found the net making it a nine-point game.
The goal was a well-worked move. Slick interplay by the visitors culminated with David O’Connell feeding Guckian who made no mistake from close range.
St. Mary’s finished strongly. Scores from Bohan, Brian Farrell and Jack Casey helped Alan Flynn’s men finish with 11 points to spare.
Elsewhere, on the opening night of the Leitrim championship, Leitrim Gaels had a 1-7 to nine point win over Fenagh. Mohill downed Dromahair 18 points to nine.
Glencar Manorhamilton and Aughawillan drew 1-8 to 11 points and Ballinamore Sean O'Heslin's had an easy win over Aughnasheelin 4-11 to 0-4.
Round 2 fixtures to be confirmed tomorrow Sunday.
Teams at home in Round 1 will be away in Round 2. pic.twitter.com/58fBpGSkot
— Darren Mulvey (@DarrenMulvey) August 5, 2023
