Leitrim Stuns London with Remarkable Comeback Fueled by McNulty’s Heroics

Ruislip, Ireland – Leitrim produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat London in a dramatic clash in Division 4 of the Allianz Football League, securing back-to-back wins. The victory was largely thanks to the incredible performance of substitute Barry McNulty, who scored six crucial two-pointers.

First-Half Dominance by London

London started strong, taking control of the game from the opening whistle. Captain Liam Gallagher scored the first point, followed by scores from Kristian Healy and Joe McGill. Micheal O’Reilly extended London’s lead with a goal in the ninth minute. Fergal McLoughlin responded quickly for Leitrim with a goal of his own, but London maintained control, showcasing good possession and patience.

Joe McGill continued to be a threat, adding two-pointers to the London tally. Ryan O’Rourke scored for Leitrim before an incident saw Kristian Healy injured after a foul by Mark Diffley. The challenge led to black cards for both London’s Gallagher and Leitrim’s Kieran Clancy.

“Despite neither team having a numerical advantage, it was Michael Maher’s side who made sure they finished the first half the strongest.”

London finished the first half strongly, leading 1-14 to 1-04.

McNulty Ignites Leitrim’s Comeback

The introduction of Barry McNulty at halftime proved to be a turning point for Leitrim. He immediately began impacting the game, scoring a two-pointer shortly after the restart.

Tom Prior then scored a goal for Leitrim, cutting the deficit to six points. Riordan O’Rourke added a point, bringing Leitrim even closer. Despite continued efforts from London’s Ciaran Diver and Shay Rafter, McNulty’s long-range shooting began to swing the momentum in Leitrim’s favor.

McNulty repeatedly split the posts from outside the arc, racking up six two-pointers throughout the second half.

“Talk about a performance from @ManorGaa’s Barry McNulty in Ruislip this afternoon. 0-12. 5 x 2p, 1 x 2pf” – Darren Mulvey (@DarrenMulvey) on X.

A fifth two-pointer from McNulty place Leitrim three points clear, and his sixth sealed the victory, despite late attempts from Rafter and Diver to salvage a draw for London.

Final Result and League Standings

Leitrim’s remarkable comeback resulted in a final score of 2-19 to 1-20. The win places Steven Poacher’s side second in Division 4, behind leaders Carlow, after three rounds of action.

Team Lineups

• London: Andrew Walsh; Daire Rooney, Matt Moynihan, Sean O’Donoghue; Conor Goggin, Conal Gallagher, Conor O’Donohue; Liam Gallagher (Captain) (0-01), Josh Obahor, Joe McGill (0-09, 0-02f), Daniel Clarke, Kristian Healy (0-02); Micheal O’Reilly (1-01), Shay Rafter (0-03, 0-02f), Jim Davis (0-01)
• Subs: Ciaran Diver (0-03) for Kristian Healy (21), Tighe Barry for Daniel Clarke (48), Ciaran McKeon for Jim Davis (53), Liam Murphy for Ciaran McKeon (60), Nathan Feeney for Micheal O’Reilly (60)
• Leitrim: Daire O’Shea ; Eoin McLoughlin, Kieran Clancy, Seán Harkin; James Rooney, Mark Diffley, Conor Reynolds; Cillian McGloin , Keith Keegan; Fergal McLoughlin (1-00), Riordan O’Rourke (0-02), Tom Prior (1-02); Ben Guckian, Ryan O’Rourke (Captain) (0-02, 0-02f), Jack Kelly
• Subs: Killian Gaffney for Daire O’Shea (26), Conor Quinn for Cillian McGloin (35), Paul Honeyman (0-01) for Jack Kelly (ht), Barry McNulty (0-12, 5tp, 1tpf) for James Rooney (ht), Gavin Reynolds for Keith Keegan (71)

Referee: Andrew Smith (Meath)

Leitrim’s stunning victory demonstrates the power of resilience and the impact of a game-changing performance. The team will look to continue their momentum as the Allianz Football League progresses.