Last gasp Roberts winner secures IFC final place for Kildavin-Clonegal
Joe Roberts sent Kildavin/Clonegal into the Intermediate Football Championship final with a last gasp winning point Photo: Pat Ahern
A Joe Roberts free with the last kick of the game clinched victory for Kildavin-Clonegal in the Carlow intermediate football semi-final in Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday.
St Patricks started best skating into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead on eight minutes with Jack Kennedy, Jake O’Neill, Cathal Healy and Brian Byrne all raising white flags. It took Kildavin-Clonegal time to settle with Liam Roberts leading the way and picking off a point from play.
While Kildavin Clonegal narrowed the gap one point was dividing the sides when St Patricks opened up their opponents defence. Ronan Byrne was central to the move passing the ball across the square for Cian Doran to punch home from close range.
Undaunted, the Kildavin side persevered with Jake Nolan, Roberts and Niall Hickey all scoring two points to leave St Patricks leading at half-time by 1-7 to 0-9.
It was a dogged second half. Both sides had their moments. Kennedy scored three points for St Patricks in that second period while Craig Staunton and Jack O’Neill also found the posts.
Kildavin-Clonegal got a huge boost when Alex Callaghan was on the end of an incisive passing movement to score an equalising goal with time running out. When Jake Nolan pulled down an opposition player on the break he was given a black card which finished his participation in the game. It looked like a killer blow for the Wexford border side.
Five minutes of injury time brought tension and drama. St Patricks had a chance to clinch victory but were turned over. Kildavin-Clonegal made sure of appearing in the final when, holding on to the ball and drawing the free they secured a date with Fenagh in the final in two week’s time.
A Callaghan 1-1, J Nolan 0-3 (2fs), N Hickey, L Roberts 0-2 each, D Roberts 0-2, D Murphy, P Hickey, J Roberts (f) 0-1 each.
J Kennedy 0-5 (1f), C Doran 1-0, J O’Neill 0-3, B Byrne 0-2 (1-45), C Healy 0-1, C Staunton 0-1.
Ricky Byrne; Lorcan Kinsella, Niall Murphy, Gavin Byrne; Barry Hickey, Donal Hickey, Liam Roberts; Niall Hickey, Pauric Hickey; Daniel Murphy, Ciaran Scott, Alex Callaghan; Daryl Roberts, Jake Nolan, John Kirwan. Subs: Joe Roberts for N Murphy (h/t), Philip Byrne for Kinsella (54), Daniel Cronin for D Murphy (58).
Gerry McGill; Niall Gahan, Ronan Byrne, Cian Doran; Lee Kavanagh, Ronan Byrne, Cathal Healy; Craig Staunton, Eoghan Cleary; Dylan Hanley, Jack Kennedy, Jack O’Neill; Will Doran, Brian Byrne, Padraig Murphy. Subs: Eoghan Cunnane for Byrne (50), Shane Rohan for Murphy (54), Jamie Ansbro for Cleary (60).
Paud O’Dwyer (Palatine).
