Tailteann Cup: Fermanagh progress to semi-finals

Fermanagh 2-25 Sligo 0-9

AN on-song Fermanagh demolished Sligo in Brewster Park on Saturday evening, booking their place in the Tailteann Cup semi-final next weekend.

Sligo made the brighter start, with Micheal Lavin and Lee Deignan helping them into an early lead. Fermanagh responded through frees from Mattie McDermott and Garvan Jones before Shane McGullion and Conor Love also got on the scoresheet.

A huge two-point free from goalkeeper Sean McNally edged Fermanagh ahead before Ultnn Kelm extended their advantage. The game’s pivotal moment arrived after 25 minutes when Shane McGullion finished a swift counter-attack to the net, helping Fermanagh open up an eight-point lead.

Further scores from Kelm, Jones and a two-pointer from Conor O’Hanlon left the Erne men firmly in control, and Josh Largo Elis rounded off an impressive first half as Fermanagh led 1-12 to 0-05 at the break.

Kelm quickly added to his tally after the restart, while Sligo’s hopes suffered a major blow when McNally produced a brilliant double save from a penalty on 45 minutes.

With Stephen McGullion dominant around midfield, Fermanagh continued to pull away. Scores from Jones, Love, McCaffrey and McDermott stretched the gap, while captain Eoin McCaffrey capped another slick move to leave the hosts 16 points clear.

McDermott then struck Fermanagh’s second goal on the hour mark, blasting past Aidan Devaney to put 20 points between the sides. Further scores from McDermott, Ciaran Corrigan, Sean Cassidy and Aogan Kelm completed an emphatic victory as Fermanagh cruised into the next round.