Today saw the start of our 2018 league campaigh with a visit by Castlebar Mitchells to Robert McCallion Memorial Park.

Both teams were relegated last year and in the corresponding fixture Mitchells ran out easy winners. It was not to be the same today with a resurgent Swinford team that led for the entire game and should have been more comfortable at the full time whistle.

In the third minute Swinford opened the scoring with a free from Liam Moran that was followed by a second free from Liam. Mitchells pulled one back before a fine point from Kevin McShea, one from play by Liam Moran and a point from Mick Walsh after a 45 dropped short. Swinford were well in control when Johnny Burke took a quick free to find Jason McLoughlin who finished to the net. After 15 minutes Swinford led by 1-5 to 0-1.

Over the next ten minutes Swinford lost to injury Kevin McShea and Jason Carney and Mitchells scored three points, one from a dubious free, a soft free and the third from play. Swinford settled and a free from Liam Moran and a point from Darren Campbell after a great catch by Mick Walsh put 6 between the teams. Just before the interval Swinford lost Michael Prendergast to a black card but were well in control of the game.

It was a slow start to the second half before Mitchells got the first score on the 34th minute. Two points from Liam Moran from a free and from play kept a good distance between the teams. Mitchells pulled one back but Swinford replied with two frees from Liam Moran and Jason McLoughlin. With 15 minutes left another free from Liam Moran put 9 between the teams.

What you want to avoid then happened and Mitchells got a goal that sparked them to life and they scored the next three points. With five minutes to go it was a one score game but some resolute defence and great team work saw Swinford ease the pressure and see out the game to win 1-12 to 1-9.

After a tough 2017 on and off the pitch it was great to get 2018 off to a winning start. Next up on Saturday (7th) is Championship football away to Isleadeady with a next leage game home to Killala on Saturday 14th.

Thanks also to the good support at the game today. See you all again next week.

Swinford: Aaron Kinsella, Alan McLoughlin, Sean Brady, James Lavin, Conor Conway, Kevin McShea, Jason Carney, Michael Walsh, Mark Forkan, Joshua Smith, Michael Prendergast, Liam Moran, Jason McLoughlin, Johnny Burke, Darren Cambell. Subs Cillian O’Donnell, Kevin Doyle, James McNicholas.

Scorers: Liam Moran 0-8, Jason McLoughlin 1-1, Kevin McShea, Michael Walsh, Darren Campbell 0-1