Bagenalstown push reigning league champions to penalties
Crettyard’s Riogan Doran tries to sidestep past New Oak’s Shane Barnes. Pic:© Michael O'Rourke Photography 2025
Pats were two goals to the good inside the opening 15 minutes, with Jan Flejszar and Joe Sunderland both on target. Bagenalstown were quick out of the blocks after the restart and were rewarded when a mix-up between the Pats goalkeeper and defence allowed Brian O’Rourke to net his first goal for the club. Sunderland looked to have sealed the tie on 68 minutes with his second of the game to make it 3-1, but Tommy Bolger’s free kick gave Town hope once more. Pats missed several golden chances to put the game beyond reach, with Warfield, Kilonda and Julian Strain all guilty, and when a series of needless fouls led to another dangerous free, Bolger’s delivery punished them. Deep into stoppage time, Pats paid the price for failing to clear their lines, as Conor Lennon rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser for 10-man Town, who had earlier lost Podge Hynes to a second yellow card. Extra time was all Pats, especially with the man advantage, but they could not find a way past the excellent Sean Tracey in the Town goal. With no further scoring, the tie went to penalties. Pats keeper Sean Murphy proved the hero, saving twice, before Ciaran Fitzgerald kept his nerve to fire the decisive spot-kick and send Pats through to the Shield Final.
Slaney booked their place in the Plate Final, scoring 4 times in the last 15 minutes to turn the game on its head as Kilree blew a 2-0 half time advantage. The hosts began well, Ashley Dallimore and Darragh O'Meara both going close early on before Dallimore set up O'Meara for the opening on 15 minutes. Kilree doubled their advantage 5 minutes before the break, 'keeper TJ Darcy with the assist for Kyle Harenberg who brilliantly chipped the Rovers net minder from 30 yards to put Kilree in the driving seat at the interval. Rovers improved in the second period but it was the final 15 minutes when the goal fest arrived. Eoin Curran reduced the arrears from close range on 75 minutes and then substitute Brandon Ryan made it 2-2 shortly afterwards. Ryan's clever pass in behind the Kilree backline yielded an unfortunate own goal to put Rovers in front and with three minutes left Dylan Mahoney got a fourth for Slaney to leave Kilree stunned. The hosts did rally and Alan Salter's corner was finished to the net by Eamon Nolan to leave a final score of 4-3 to Slaney.
Castle opened the scoring 21 minutes into the second half. Following some slick passing between Jake Snoddy and Dylan Salter in the middle, Jake played the ball into Aaron Bowden's feet who then skilfully turned the defender and played in Luke Brennan who fired it across the goal into the bottom corner of the net.
On 76 minutes Ballymurphy made a break down their left wing and hit a venomous shot into the bottom right corner of the goal forcing a brilliant save from the Castle keeper Adam Duggan. Castle Rangers then made a quick counter attack from a Ballymurphy corner. Johnny Coakley played Aaron Bowden down the right wing who then squared the ball into the middle for Luke Bailey who took a touch, shifted the ball and then rifled home Castle's second goal.
In the 84th minute Ballymurphy hit a throw-in deep in the Caste Ranger's half. Stephen Preston for Castle won the ball and played Johnny Coakley down the right wing who then played Aaron Bowden in on goal. However, Aaron was taken down by the Ballymurphy defender in the box. Luke Bailey stepped up to take the penalty kick to score his second and Castle's third goal.
