Shine and Kilbride lead the way as Rossies advance

Without ever looking in any danger of defeat - after Donal Shine's 20th-minute goal helped them to a 1-7 to 0-2 interval lead - Roscommon duly outscored Leitrim in the second half by 1-5 to 0-4 to qualify for their second successive Connacht SFC final at wet and windy Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday last. This is the third year in succession that these neighbouring counties have clashed in the provincial championship, with Fergal O'Donnell's men boasting a clean sheet of wins after the three encounters. They had four points to spare in 2009 at Pairc Seán; five points was the margin back at 'The Hyde' in 2010, with both of those clashes played in scorching summer temperatures. Last Sunday, weather conditions were diametrically opposite - heavy persistent rain, blustery, cold and more akin to mid-January. But a Roscommon squad who is showing increased maturity, natural aggression and that winning ethos, which comes only from hard experience, clocked up a 12-point win over opposition on the crest of a wave following that 1-10 to 0-10 win over Sligo at Markievicz Park on May 22. Accordingly Primrose and Blue supporters in the crowd of 13,567 (a fine attendance for the day that was in it, and only 290 fewer than the 2009 Carrick clash) must have been thrilled at the progress made by their favourites in the interim. And on this latest display, they should have none of the previous apprehensions which they may have experienced when taking on either Mayo or Galway for the Holy Grail of Connacht football. Indeed, this was the predominant thought that permeated this reporter's mind on the way home from the Shannonside venue on Sunday evening. This is a Roscommon outfit who have embellished their performances with qualities with make a great team - such as deep-rooted confidence in their play, huge work-rate throughout the field, belief in their own ability and, while respecting all-comers, a steely resolve that they can emerge victorious over whatever is put before them. Under the tutelage of Fergal O'Donnell and his selectors, a finely honed end product is emerging and while more needs to be done, those are exciting times for the faithful followers of the Rossies. Leitrim entered Pairc Seán on Sunday with high hopes of finally laying a bogey, going back to 1912, of having not recorded a championship win over their neighbours in Carrick. A dismal record (11 losses, 2 draws and one game lost on objection) needed to be ended. They would soon find out, however, that Roscommon had their own agenda, foremost among their objectives being a Connacht Final date of their own at Hyde Park on July 17, and the opportunity of retaining the Nestor Cup for the first time since 1991. Against this background the wind-assisted holders - who introduced Stephen Ormsby to defence from the start instead of the listed Ian Kilbride - went for the Leitrim jugular from referee Pat McEnaney's throw-in. A whirlwind start saw Donal Shine (from a Cathal Cregg delivery), loft over a left-footed point inside the opening minute, while Senan Kilbride was on target two minutes later. With Peter Domican (selected at full-back) moving to the pivotal berth and Niall Carty sited at the fringe of the square from the off, Roscommon exuded confidence in those opening passages of play. While team captain James Glancy placed Emlyn Mulligan for Leitrim's opening point in the 5th minute, the Rossies were on song as Senan Kilbride added another point two minutes later, and midfielder Karol Mannion strode away from his opponent to send over a terrific point on the run. And so, with just nine minutes gone, Roscommon led by 0-4 to 0-1, but Leitrim reacted to this intense pressure on their embattled rearguard by bringing back wing-forward Robert Lone as a defensive sweeper. Evidence that this move by Leitrim boss Michael Moran had some effect can be gleaned from the fact that Roscommon would go a full 23 minutes without registering another point, but Donal Shine would strike a mortal blow for the reigning champions with that 20th-minute goal. Leitrim tried diligently to get back in contention. With Wayne McKeon in fine form at left half-back, while Daniel Lowe winning some breaking ball against the strong Roscommon midfield pairing of Michael Finneran and Karol Mannion, a number of chances were created. Ominously, the home side were making no headway in the scoring stakes, with the powerful Roscommon rearguard showing their strength and anticipation in snuffing out Leitrim forward forays. Shine strikes Roscommon too, showed some vulnerability with a few scorable opportunities frittered away, but they took a huge step towards victory in the 20th minute. Kevin Higgins turned provider for Donal Shine to unleash a left-footed guided missile which Leitrim goalie Cathal McCrann did well to partially block, but was unable to prevent from entering the net, due to its sheer power. This was a huge fillip for Roscommon and a devastating blow to Leitrim who got only their second point of the half when Conor Beirne pointed a free, after a foul on James Glancy). As the opening half came to an end, Roscommon rediscovered their point-scoring touch when Senan Kilbride (free), Cathal Cregg, and the highly impressive Senan O'Grady added a trio of points. Leitrim had a chance of a priceless goal when wing-forward Paul Brennan put Adrian Croal through but the Glencar/Manorhamilton player (he scored 2-2 against St. Brigid's in last year's Connacht Club semi-final) completely fluffed his shot which went harmlessly wide. Thus, Roscommon were by far the happier side at the short whistle as they were ahead by 1-7 to 0-2, but would wind advantage bring about a second half Leitrim revival? Ros' push on An injury to Leitrim midfielder Daniel Lowe forced his substitution early in the second moiety. An intruder made an unwelcome appearance onto the playing surface and a welcome hasty exit, but Roscommon pushed on regardless with Kevin Higgins, making light of adverse wind conditions, adding a point four minutes in. Senan Kilbride forced a fine save from Leitrim custodian Cathal McCrann, before Kevin Higgins was also brilliantly denied by the Leitrim keeper. Michael Finneran continued to dominate proceedings at midfield, ably assisted by Karol Mannion, forcing Leitrim to replace midfielder Thomas Beirne with experienced defender John McKeon, the introduction of the Drumreilly player releasing Ronan Gallagher to midfield. Although Senan Kilbride, placed by Senan O'Grady, added another Roscommon point in the 39th minute, the aforementioned Leitrim changes, including also the 43rd minute introduction of Brian McDonald, did bring about some improvement. A trio of Leitrim points ensued, courtesy of Emlyn Mulligan, the re-sited Ronan Gallagher and a Conor Beirne free. But the goal they so badly needed didn't materialise thanks to the always alert Geoffrey Claffey between the Roscommon posts. Full-back Niall Carty was also very prominent in clearing a dangerous James Glancy ball off the line, sandwiched between a Roscommon point by Conor Devaney, and what proved Leitrim's last score when Adrian Croal finished over the bar another move initiated by impressive substitute Brian McDonald. Although there were nearly ten minutes left for play, many of the crowd were seen heading for the exits as the rain resumed after a brief respite. Roscommon were far from finished, however, and would add a further unanswered 1-2 to their scoring total as the clock ran down. Kevin Higgins and Senan Kilbride (free) posted a brace of points and it was certainly game, set and match when Senan Kilbride initiated a movement, continued by sub Sean Purcell, culminating in Conor Devaney sliding the ball to the net to imprimatur a victory that, in truth, was abundantly evident from a long way out on this occasion. Roscommon now go on to the Connacht SFC final in which they will attempt to come of age in the Connacht title race as they seek their 21st provincial crown against either of the, to date, big hitters of the West. Fergal O'Donnell's men advance in the knowledge that their team contains all the attributes necessary for success when on optimum form. On Sunday, their defence was on top of its job, only conceding three points form play to their opposing Leitrim starting forwards. They were quick and disciplined in the tackle, rarely conceding frees within scoring distance. And, apart from brief spells midway through each half, midfield was in general control of their territory. It's always a good sign when all starting forwards score from play, another laudable achievement of the Roscommon attack on Sunday, man of the match Senan Kilbride topping the scoring charts with aplomb. All told, it was a satisfying display in difficult conditions, which was ideal preparation for whatever the future will bring. Leitrim were never given the space or opportunities to display their talents against strong opponents on Sunday, but they are a young team and will ultimately benefit form the experience. Their best players were goalkeeper Cathal McCrann, Wayne McKeon, James Glancy, Daniel Lowe (first half), sub Brian McDonald and Emlyn Mulligan. ROSCOMMON: Geoffrey Claffey; Sean McDermott, Niall Carty, Stephen Ormsby; David Keenan, Peter Domican (capt.), Donal Ward; Michael Finneran, Karol Mannion (0-1); Senan O'Grady (0-1), Kevin Higgins (0-2), Cathal Cregg (0-1); Conor Devaney (1-1), Senan Kilbride (0-5, 2 frees), Donal Shine (1-1) Subs: Sean Purcell for Ward (51 mins), Enda Kenny for Mannion (58), Ger Heneghan for Devaney (66), Ian Kilbride for O'Grady (69). LEITRIM: Cathal McGrann; Dermot Reynolds, Ronan Gallagher (0-1), Paddy Maguire; Barry Prior, Gary Reynolds, Wayne McKeon; Tomás Beirne, Daniel Lowe; Paul Brennan, Emlyn Mulligan (0-2), Robert Lowe; Adrian Croal (0-1), Conor Beirne (0-2, 2 frees), James Glancy (capt.). Subs: Darren Sweeney for D Lowe (inj., 36 mins), Brian McDonald for Brennan (43), John McKeon for T Beirne (47), Colm Clarke for R Lowe (62). REFEREE: Pat McEnaney (Monaghan), who issued two yellow cards, one to each side. A master of his profession, easily the country's top referee.