Late surge ensures Portarlington are very much on target for promotion

Laois Shopping Centre ACFL Division 2 Rd 6 

Portarlington 1-17 

Killeshin 1-14 

PORTARLINGTON continued their impressive form in the Laois Shopping Centre ACFL Division 2 on Thursday evening, overcoming Killeshin in Round 6 to extend their winning streak.

After losing their opening fixture to neighbours O’Dempsey’s, the reigning 2025 Laois SFC champions have now recorded five consecutive victories.

With a strong wind at their backs in the opening half, Killeshin made an excellent start and surged into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead inside the opening nine minutes.

The visitors opened the scoring through the Lowry brothers, with Evan Lowry picking out Eoin Lowry, who split the uprights. Another point quickly followed courtesy of Evan English. Killeshin then struck for a goal following a swift attacking move. Adam Farrell delivered a brilliant pass over the Portarlington defence into the path of Eoin Lowry, who drove forward before laying the ball off for Evan Lowry to smash to the net.

Six points behind, Portarlington finally got off the mark when Jordan Fitzpatrick fired past Ben Fitzgerald for a goal that cut the gap in half. English and Conor Maher exchanged scores before Killeshin stretched their advantage again. Kealan Galligan added a point, while Eoin Lowry produced an excellent two-point free from the outside of his boot to leave six between the teams once more.

Portarlington finished the first half strongly, however, scoring the final five points unanswered to trail by just one at the interval. Sean Michael Corcoran and Sean Moran each contributed two points during that spell, while Fitzpatrick also added a point to his earlier goal. At half-time, Seamus Mulhare’s whistle sounded with Killeshin narrowly ahead, 1-7 to 1-6.

Portarlington drew level just 20 seconds into the second period when Corey Lyons split the posts. Curtis Lyons nearly put his side in front with a goal soon after, only to see his effort rebound off the outside of the upright. Killeshin responded through Eoin Lowry, who edged his side back in front.

That score proved to be Killeshin’s final lead of the game as Portarlington gradually assumed control. Fitzpatrick, Matthew O’Sullivan and Curtis Lyons all found the target as Ronan Sweeney’s men moved ahead for the first time after 37 minutes.

The advantage was short-lived, though, as Evan Lowry converted a superb two-point free against the wind to level matters once again. Portarlington replied impressively, registering three unanswered scores through Fitzpatrick, Darragh Slevin and Corcoran from a free. Hugh Connolly was unfortunate not to increase the margin further when his goal attempt struck the inside of the post before being gathered by a Killeshin defender.

By the 47th minute, the sides were level yet again after Evan Lowry converted two frees and Farrell added his only score of the contest. Hugo Emerson and Eoin Lowry later traded points as the game appeared destined for a dramatic finish.

Corcoran ultimately proved decisive for Portarlington, scoring two points and creating another during the closing seven minutes to help secure a fifth victory in six outings. Portarlington conclude the league stage away to Mountmellick on Saturday 13 June, while Killeshin’s final fixture sees them travel to face league leaders O’Dempsey’s.

SCORERS:

Portarlington: Jordan Fitzpatrick 1-3, Sean Michael Corcoran 0-5 (0-3fs), Sean Moran 0-2 (fs), Curtis Lyons, Corey Lyons, Darragh Slevin, Matthew O’Sullivan, Conor Maher, Sean Michael Ward and Hugo Emerson 0-1 each.

Killeshin: Evan Lowry 1-4 (1tpf), Eoin Lowry 0-6 (1tpf), Evan English 0-2, Adam Farrell and Kealan Galligan 0-1 each.

PORTARLINGTON: Evan Grattan; Conor Moran, Cathal Ward, Jack Murphy; Curtis Lyons, Darragh Slevin, Matthew O’Sullivan; Hugo Emerson, Sean Michael Corcoran; Hugh Connolly, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Corey Lyons; Sean Moran, Conor Maher, Patrick Murray.

Subs: Tom Corcoran for Ward (ht), Sean Michael Ward for Murray (42m), Stephen McKeon for Maher (50m).

KILLESHIN: Ben Fitzgerald; David McDermott, Jack Brennan, Brendan McDonald; Mick Gaffney, Kealan Galligan; Cathal Byrne, James Doogue; Adam Farrell, Evan English, James Davis; Evan Lowry, Eoin Lowry, Kaelum Hand.

Referee: Seamus Mulhare (The Heath)