Leitrim Edges Out Longford in Tailteann Cup Thriller

A last-gasp free kick from Barry McNulty secured a narrow 2-12 to 0-17 victory for Leitrim over Longford in the Tailteann Cup, played at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on May 19, 2024 .

Dramatic Finish at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park

The match was a closely contested affair, with the sides level on three occasions during the opening quarter. Leitrim goalkeeper Nevin O’Donnell opened the scoring with a ‘45 in the fourth minute. Longford responded with points from Peter Lynn and Oran Kenny before McNulty registered his first score, a two-pointer from a placed ball in the sixth minute .

First-Half Action

Leitrim were awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute after Dessie Reynolds fouled Barry McNulty, which Ryan O’Riordan successfully converted. O’Riordan followed up with a point, extending Leitrim’s lead. Longford’s Daniel Reynolds scored a point in stoppage time, leaving the halftime score at 0-8 to 1-6 in favor of Leitrim .

Second-Half Surge and McNulty’s Heroics

The second half saw Longford draw level with a point from Cathal McCabe. Leitrim then responded with a strong period, as Barry McNulty scored 1-1 in quick succession, including a goal after a turnover created by Ryan O’Riordan . Despite a spirited fightback from Longford, spearheaded by Mark Hughes, Leitrim maintained a narrow advantage. The game was level again at 0-17 apiece before McNulty’s decisive free kick in stoppage time sealed the win for Leitrim .

Key Players

Barry McNulty was the standout performer for Leitrim, contributing 1-4 to his team’s total. Mathew Carey led the scoring for Longford with 1-4, including two penalties .

Team Lineups

Leitrim: Killian Gaffey, Keith Keegan, Conor Reynolds, Sean Harkin, Eoin McLoughlin, Mark Diffley, Eanna McNamara, Conor Quinn, Barry McNulty, Fergal McLoughlin, Paul Honeyman, Riordan O’Rourke, Jack Kelly, Ryan O’Rourke, Gavin Reynolds.

Longford: Eoin McGuinness, Paddy Fox, Ryan Moffett, Bryan Masterson, Peter Lynn, Oisin O’Toole, Dessie Reynolds, Liam Glennon, Ronan Sweeney, James Moran, Matthew Carey, Dylan Farrell, Mathew Flynn, Joseph Hagan, Oran Kenny.