Sligo's U20 footballers got their 2022 campaign off to a flying start with a solid 2-9 to 1-7 victory over Fermanagh at the Fermanagh GAA Centre of Excellence at Lissan, Co, Fermanagh, on Saturday afternoon last.

The game was significantly influenced by a strong wind and Sligo took full advantage in the opening half to establish a six point (0-7 to 0-1) margin by halftime. The scoring was dominated by Drumcliffe-Rosses Point star Eoghan Smith who accounted for five of the Sligo points – three from frees. With the others coming from the in-form Lee Deignan – who starred alongside Smith  in the recent DCU freshers championship final – and St Molasie Gaels Jack Davitt.

The game seemed to be drifting out as a contest when Davitt’s clubmate forward Joe Keaney fired to the net 7 minutes into the second half.

Fermanagh fought strongly  however with the elements at their back, and set into eating into the  Sligo advantage while the visitors added just two scores with points from Duignan and 2021 minor star Luke Marren who had come on as a second half sub.

The home side dominated the last quarter and pulled the margin back to two points before Marren eased Sligo nerves with a 30th minute goal that sealed the victory.

Sligo will continue their campaign apace this week after agreeing to play last week’s postponed game against Langford on Wednesday this week and then face Leitrim in the final group match at Cloonacool on Saturday next.

Sligo: Cian Kilcoyne; Shane Molloy, Mark McGowan, Canice Mulligan; Luke Casserly, Jack Lavin, Ciaran O’Reilly; Feidhlinm O’Donnell, Eoghan Smith (0-5 3 fs); Joe Keaney, Lee Deignan (0-2), OisÍn Flynn; Jack Davitt (0-1), Matt Henry, Gavin Duffy

Subs: Dylan Walsh for Flynn, Luke Marren (1-1) for Duffy, Ciaran McKeon for O’Reilly, Dylan McLoughlin for Mulligan, Conor Johnston for Molloy.