Rossies Surge Past Down in Thrilling Hyde Park Encounter

Roscommon Storm Back to Defeat Down in Thrilling Showdown

King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park erupted in party on Sunday as Roscommon staged a remarkable second-half comeback to overcome Down in a pulsating Gaelic football encounter. Teh match, a showcase of the new rule changes with nine two-pointers scored (three by Roscommon and six by Down), ultimately belonged to the home team, who secured valuable league points.

Enda Smith scored 1-01 for Roscommon in the victory

Down, aided by a favorable wind in the frist half, capitalized on the new rule changes, launching six two-pointers from outside the scoring arc. Pat Havern, in particular, was dominant, accounting for four of these scores. Thay went into halftime with a commanding 1-14 to 2-06 lead, leaving Roscommon facing a daunting task.

Roscommon’s response began with a moment of brilliance. 2023 All-Star Enda Smith weaved through the Down defense, combining with clubmate Daire Cregg before slotting the ball into the net. However, Down quickly countered, leveling the score in the eighth minute with two consecutive two-pointers from Havern, including a well-executed long-range free.

“We got off to a good start, but you have to give credit to Down. They came back really well and had a bit of a purple patch in that first half,” acknowledged Roscommon manager Davy Burke.

Down’s momentum continued to surge in the 15th minute. havern’s shot deflected, allowing Ryan McEvoy to palm the ball past goalkeeper Conor Carroll. Roscommon briefly regained the lead in the 26th minute. Shane Killoran’s point attempt was spilled by Down goalkeeper John O’Hare,presenting Cian mckeon,returning to the Roscommon jersey,with an easy chance to score.

Roscommon’s resurgence, fueled by tactical adjustments at halftime, transformed the game’s narrative. Burke’s strategic tweaks proved pivotal, allowing Roscommon to exploit weaknesses in Down’s defense and regain control.

“I’m delighted with the lads.They showed great character and determination to come back from that deficit. Down were excellent in the first half, but we managed to weather the storm and eventually get on top,” Burke stated.

Roscommon’s victory serves as a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Their ability to overcome adversity and execute their game plan in the second half highlights their potential for success in the upcoming league campaign.

Roscommon Roar Back: Davy Burke Discusses Thrilling down Victory

Roscommon manager Davy Burke spoke to Archyde after his side’s dramatic comeback victory over Down in a thrilling encounter at King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park. The Rossies found themselves trailing at halftime, but a strong second-half performance ultimately secured a 7-point victory, leaving Burke buzzing with excitement.

Team Reflecting On A Fight Back For The Ages

“To be honest, I’m still buzzing!” Burke exclaimed. “It was such a rollercoaster of a game. Down gave us a real fright with their fantastic first-half performance. We were up against it at halftime, but the lads showed incredible character and determination to come back and win it.”

Down’s Dominance in the First Half

Down’s remarkable first-half display saw them build a significant lead. A string of well-executed scores, including

two-pointers from players like

allowed them to dominate the scoreboard. Despite roscommon’s best efforts, they couldn’t reign in the Down attack, leaving them five points behind at the break.

Roscommon’s Resurgence

“We were obviously disappointed to be trailing by five at halftime, but the attitude was there, and the boys were up for the battle,” Burke commented.

Roscommon’s response was decisive. They came out with renewed intensity in the second half, fueled by a two-pointer from Shane Cunnane, and orchestrated a series of attacks.

The momentum shifted further when substitute Ben O’Carroll made an immediate impact, scoring a point before receiving a black card. Roscommon seized this opportunity well, with Eddie Nolan orchestrating and finishing a memorable move, showcasing their growing confidence.

The Moment That Changed the Game

The turning point arrived in the 58th minute. A crucial block by debutante Colm neary sent the ball to Cian McKeon,who delivered a superb pass to Ciarán Murtagh. The substitute met the ball with a powerful strike from 40 yards out, finding the net and igniting a wave of jubilation in the Roscommon crowd.

“Ciarán had a massive impact when he came on. That goal was a real turning point in the game,” Burke noted.

From there, roscommon built on their advantage. Despite Down’s valiant efforts to regain control, with scores from paddy McCarthy and Danny Magill, Roscommon dominated the remainder of the match. Diarmuid Murtagh added his third two-pointer, followed by further scores from Murtagh (2), Donie Smith, and Daire Cregg, ensuring a decisive 7-point victory for the home team.

Final score

The match concluded with a final score of roscommon 3-18 to Down 1-14, marking a remarkable triumph for Roscommon and a valuable lesson for Down.

Roscommon’s Davy Burke Reflects on Hard-Fought victory

Roscommon secured a thrilling victory, overcoming a challenging first half performance. Manager Davy Burke attributed the turnaround to a concerted defensive effort and the impact of key substitutions.”We knew our opponents were capable of delivering clinically,” Burke explained.”Their two-point prowess, particularly from Pa Havern, was evident in the first half. At half-time, our focus was on tightening our defensive structure, limiting space, and ensuring more bodies were back in support. We also emphasized the importance of capitalizing on our opportunities.”

The introduction of Ciarán Murtagh proved pivotal. His powerful strike breathed new life into the Roscommon side.

“Ciarán’s arrival was a real boost for us,” burke stated. “He has a formidable shot, and that goal was crucial in settling us down and galvanizing the crowd. We always believed if we kept battling, our chances would materialize.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of the league campaign, Burke remains optimistic about Roscommon’s prospects.

“Every match in this league is fiercely competitive,” he acknowledged. “However, we possess the talent and determination to succeed.If we maintain this level of commitment, who knows how far we can go? It’s essential we learn from every game, both victories and defeats, and continue to push ourselves relentlessly.”

Burke concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Roscommon fans.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our fans,” he said.”They were phenomenal today and provided invaluable encouragement to the players. It’s a special time to be associated with roscommon, and we are determined to make them proud this season.”

How did Roscommon’s defensive strategy change in the second half to help secure the victory?

Roscommon’s Davy Burke Reflects on Hard-Fought Victory

Roscommon secured a thrilling victory, overcoming a challenging first half performance. Manager Davy Burke attributed the turnaround to a concerted defensive effort and the impact of key substitutions.

Roscommon’s Defensive Shift

“We knew our opponents were capable of delivering clinically,” burke explained.”their two-point prowess, especially from Pa Havern, was evident in the first half. at half-time, our focus was on tightening our defensive structure, limiting space, and ensuring more bodies were back in support. We also emphasized the importance of capitalizing on our opportunities.”

the Impact of ciarán Murtagh

The introduction of Ciarán Murtagh proved pivotal. His powerful strike breathed new life into the Roscommon side.

“Ciarán’s arrival was a real boost for us,” burke stated. “He has a formidable shot,and that goal was crucial in settling us down and galvanizing the crowd. We always believed if we kept battling, our chances would materialize.”

Looking Ahead

looking ahead to the remainder of the league campaign, Burke remains optimistic about Roscommon’s prospects.

“Every match in this league is fiercely competitive,” he acknowledged. “Though, we possess the talent and determination to succeed.If we maintain this level of commitment, who knows how far we can go? It’s essential we learn from every game, both victories and defeats, and continue to push ourselves relentlessly.”

Fan Gratitude

Burke concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Roscommon fans.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our fans,” he said.”They were phenomenal today and provided invaluable encouragement to the players. It’s a special time to be associated with roscommon, and we are persistent to make them proud this season.”