ST PATRICK’S 3-07 KILDAVIN-CLONEGAL 0-11
KILDAVIN-CLONEGAL could have had this game well beyond Tullow’s reach by half time, if they had only taken their chances.
By that stage, they led by 0-5 to 1-1. Tullow’s sole point from play came from the last kick of the first half, while another referee may not have been as kind to award them the penalty from which Stephen Nolan’s goal came.
Kildavin meanwhile kicked eight wides which could have earned them 1-7.
Trailing by just a point in that context, it’s little wonder Tullow were riled up for the second half. It took a while for their scores to come, but when their purple patch came they took full advantage, buoyed by their substitutes.
“We have subs on our bench who are as good as any lad on the field. We’ve 21 players there and it’s a strength in depth that we didn’t have in previous years,” St Patrick’s manager Rory Walsh said.
“We stuck to a policy this year of keeping junior players on the team and not using any of the senior players who we moved off the team as quick as we could. We’ve actually gotten stronger whereas other junior teams have probably gotten a bit weaker.”
Tullow’s penalty came when Kildavin goalkeeper Anthony Ryan seemed to elbow full-forward Paul Canavan as Ryan attempted to clear the ball. It didn’t appear to be malicious and looked a soft penalty to concede.
It put Tullow 1-0 to 0-1 in front, but Kildavin replied with points by Paul Nolan, Derek Sheil (two) and Larry Lennon. Tullow’s late first half point came from Noel Goss.
Kildavin were 0-9 to 1-4 ahead, but from here on in it was all Tullow, and nobody stood out more for them than Paddy McCall.
A late goal chance for Derek Sheil was narrowly saved by goalkeeper Ebbie Quigley, but St Patrick’s followed up with 1-1 in injury time to secure their place in the final.