McGuigan and Derry dash dream day out for Leitrim
THEY flirted with history but Leitrim’s brave bid for a first-ever win at Croke Park was ultimately dashed as Derry claimed the Allianz football league Division 4 crown.
Led by Man of the Match Shane McGuigan and Ryan Bell, who contributed 0-10 between them, Derry delivered on their favourites tag having competed in the Division 1 decider just five years ago.
Yet Derry lived dangerously initially and in just Leitrim’s fifth game at GAA headquarters, and their most recent since 2006, they threatened an upset. With 17 minutes on the clock the tiny Connacht county led by 0-6 to 0-3 and had also fired five wides in that period.
Unfortunately for Terry Hyland’s side, the dream soon turned to ashes and they will have to console themselves with promotion as Derry steadied themselves and made off with the silverware.
With three still between the teams after 24 minutes, the Oak Leafers finished out the half with six points in a row to lead by 0-10 to 0-7. Bell got his four points in the first period, which was ended by back-to-back Emmett Bradley points.
Experienced full-back Brendan Rogers was winning his personal duel with Leitrim full-forward Emlyn Mulligan.
Four points in a row between the 43rd and 50th minutes from the 2013 Division 2 winners moved them 0-16 to 0-10 clear. McGuigan scored three of those and was terrific in the second-half for Derry.
Leitrim, whose calling card this season has been strong finishes, refused to throw in the towel and pressed for a goal late on but to no avail.