Nicky Rackard Cup round-up

July 06, 2008
Fingal's historic win over Longford at Parnell Park was the pick of the results in the latest round of the Nicky Rackard Cup. Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan also recorded victories in the third tier hurling competition, but the result of the day was undoubtedly Fingal's 3-15 to 3-7 defeat of Longford which was their first ever victory in competitive inter-county hurling. Narrow losers to Louth last time out, the north Dublin outfit were really up for this one and with Emmet McCabe in top scoring form, they led by 1-12 to 1-4 at the interval, with substitute Gareth Ghee grabbing the Longford goal. The midlanders closed the gap with second half strikes from Neil Casey and Offaly native Declan Tanner, but a late goal from man of the match McCabe sealed Fingal's success. Cavan put the disappointment of their first round loss to Sligo behind them when they overcame Warwickshire by 0-16 to 0-12 at Kingspan Breffni Park. The Exiles produced a strong showing and only trailed by two points at the break, 0-5 to 0-7. But impressive second half displays from Andrew Nelligan and Kevin Downes saw Cavan home. Leitrim secured their first win of the campaign with a 2-13 to 1-11 triumph over neighbours Fermanagh at Carrick-on-Shannon. A Liam Byrnes goal helped the home side to a narrow 2-6 to 1-8 interval lead after Jason McManus had netted for Fermanagh. It remained close throughout much of the second half, but the class of Clement Cunniffe eventually told as the Ridge County prevailed by five. A hat-trick of goals from Michael Greaney powered Monaghan to a 3-13 to 3-8 victory over Tyrone at Healy Park. Greaney, who made a big impression in this year's Ulster championship, was the difference between the sides although a Tyrone win looked to be on the cards when they led by 2-5 to 1-6 at the break. But strong second half performances from wing back Gordon Coleman, midfielder Brian Phelan, as well as Bernard O'Brien, Stephen Lambe and top-scorer Greaney, saw the Farneymen come from behind to ensure a winning start to their campaign.

Most Read Stories