O’Connell strike sets Castlerahan up for glory as Portlaoise, Trillick and Garrycastle also claim silverware

CAVAN

CASTLERAHAN made it back-to-back SFC titles after overcoming neighbours Ramor United at Kingspan Breffni on a 1-9 to 0-10 scoreline. Donal Keogan’s side took the lead from the seventh minute via Oisin O’Connell’s goal and remained in front for the rest of the contest as their neighbours were guilty of wasting a number of scoring opportunities. Points from Cian Mackey and Karl Cosgrave in the closing quarter proved to be decisive as the men from Ballyjamesduff recorded their second senior championship success. Keogan’s charges didn’t have it all their own way and were forced to endure some nervy moments during the seven minutes of injury-time at the end when they were reduced to 14 men following the dismissal of Enda O’Connell, who was black-carded after an earlier caution. A late goal chance for James Brady was superbly saved by Jamie Leahy in the closing minutes, ensuring Castlerahan claimed revenge for their 2016 final loss.

LAOIS

PORTLAOISE didn’t have it all their own way either against Killeshin, who appeared in their first SFC final at O’Moore Park and completed a three-in-a-row with their 0-14 to 2-7 success. Brian Glynn, Brian McCormack and Kieran Lillis scored three points each as their side made it 12 titles in 13 years. Killeshin had taken the lead on a couple of occasions in the second half, but Portlaoise’s experience guided them to glory. The underdogs got off to an ideal start when Cathal Brennan netted early on but they failed to score again in before the break as Portlaoisewent on to lead 0-5 to 1-0 at the interval. Eoin Lowry’s point at he start of the second period was followed by a goal from his brother Evan to give Killeshin renewed hope. But the holders regained the lead with points from Lillis, Gareth Dillon and Glynn and the ship was steadied.

TYRONE

LEE BRENNAN (left) scored five points as Trillick got the better of Errigal Ciarán with a 0-12 to 2-4 scoreline at Healy Park in Omagh.

It was a poor contest, with Trillick making it their eighth county senior success and their first in five years.

WESTMEATH

GARRYCASTLE came from eight points down at half-time to overhaul favourites St Loman’s on a 2-13 to 3-6 scoreline in an enetrtaining SFC final at TEG Cusack Park. Managed by Gary Dolan and John Keane, Garrycastle looked to be in major trouble when they trailed 0-5 to 3-4 at the interval, but they reasserted themselves in the second half. Victory ensured an eighth county medal for club legend Dessie Dolan.

LEITRIM

CONOR DOLAN was GlencarManorhamilton’s hero after his late, late converted free handed his side a dramatic 0-16 to 0-15 victory and county SFC honours against 14-man Ballinamore. Dolan, who registered seven points in an inspiring performance, put over the winner in the fifth minute of injury-time. The eventual champions made the most of the sending off of Ballinamore’s Donal Feely before half-time to regain the Fenagh Cup a they bridged an eight-year gap to their last success.

LOUTH

THE final between Newtown Blues and Naomh Mairtín was called off following heavy overnight rain.