Mannion nails late equaliser to thwart Oranmore/Maree

Ahascragh/Fohenagh 1-11

Patrick Earley at Kenny Park

A dramatic climax to a tense battle saw Ahascragh/Fohenagh come away with a deserved point after Padraic Mannion’s late injury-time point ensured Kevin Warde’s side go into the summer break with something to show for their early season efforts.

It was no more than they deserved for a display full of heart and courage and, in truth, few would have begrudged them victory either had they managed to get their noses in front at the end.

Sean McInerney’s 40th minute goal against the run of play was the key score in ensuring that didn’t happen though when, moments after Ahascragh/Fohenagh drew level for the second time in the game at 0-9 apiece, McInerney rounded Fergal Mulryan before flicking the ball to the back of the net at the second attempt.

With that, it appeared as though all of Ahascragh/Fohenagh’s hard work to reel in a five-point deficit had been for nought but they took it on the chin and simply continued to hurl as they had been doing, getting their just reward at the finish.

Having initially drawn level in the 61st minute courtesy of a Cathal Mannion free, Eanna Burke earned his side a free of the ‘soft’ variety from the ensuing puckout which Niall Burke dispatched and that again looked as though it would break Ahascragh/Fohenagh heart,s but they weren’t to be denied and Padraic Mannion’s superb score off his left secured the draw.

As well as the drama on the ball, there was plenty off it too with a pair of red cards dished out by referee Michael Haverty inside the opening three minutes of the second half for two separate off the ball incidents, firstly to Oranmore/Maree wing-back Liam Keane and then a short time later for Ahascragh/Fohenagh’s Eoin O Ceallaigh.

Ahascragh/Fohenagh set up to have a cut right from the outset naming Padraic Mannion at midfield with brother Cathal and Sean Bleahene operating on either flank in the half-forward line.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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