Mullinalaghta 2-14

Abbeylara 1-2

Rian Brady and Shane Mulligan found the net as Mullinalaghta claimed possession of the Connolly Cup for a third successive year after powering to a replay victory over Abbeylara at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

Compared to last week's dour drawn encounter which produced just 12 scores, this was a far more open and entertaining affair which saw Mickey Graham's charges inflict more heartbreak on Abbeylara, who have now lost four finals in the last five years.

Danny Brady's men made a dream start when midfielder Colm P Smyth crashed home a second-minute goal, but Mullinalaghta replied with a similar score from Brady, after David McGivney had set him up, as well as a string of points to take a 1-8 to 1-1 lead into the break.

Mullinalaghta celebrations in full swing !! pic.twitter.com/Q9tovBxa8P

— Longford Leader (@Longford_Leader) October 14, 2018

Despite Brady missing two further goal chances and McGivney having a penalty saved by Gavin Kelly in the 48th minute, the champions never lost their focus with the goal they had been threatening to score finally arriving late on front centre back Mulligan.

The Cavan-border club can now start preparing for a Leinster club SFC quarter-final against either Rhode of Offaly or the Wicklow champions.

Mullinalaghta - P Rogers; S Cadam, P Fox, C Brady; F Mulligan, S Mulligan (1-1), D McElligott; D McGivney (0-3f), J Keegan (0-1); G Rogers, J McGivney, B Fox (0-1); J Matthews (0-3), R Brady (1-3), A McElligott. Subs: M Cunningham (0-2) for B Fox, C McElligott for F Mulligan, L Meehan for C Brady.

Abbeylara - G Kelly; M McHugh, F Battrim, C Lynch; R Brady, S Mahon, PJ Masterson; C P Smyth (1-0), B McKiernan; C Brady, C Berry, J Kelly; R Smyth (0-1), B Smyth, N Rabbitte (0-1f). Subs: P Berry for J Kelly, M Brady for B McKiernan, M Battrim for C Lynch (BC), P Battrim for C Berry.

Referee - F Kelly.

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