Connacht Club Final
St Brigid’s 0-11 Corofin 0-10: A tight and at times ill-disciplined affair ended with St Bridgid’s pipping Corofin to win the Connacht Senior Football Championship. Frankie Dolan scored a late winning point for St Brigid’s in a controversial game that saw them favoured nearly two to one on the free count.
Munster Club Semi-Finals
Dr Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry 0-09: Dr Crokes were made to work against their largely unfancied opponents, with the Clare side threatening to cause a major upset. The visitors went into a three nil lead, before Crokes recovered to gain a 0-6 to 0-5 advantage going into the break. And despite Kilmurry regaining a three-point lead early in the second half, the hosts eventually showed their class to prevent an upset from occurring.
Moyle Rovers 1-05 UCC 5-12: UCC produced an emphatic display, encompassing a stunning goal-fest, to reach the Munster final for the first time since 1999. They all but secured their victory just after half time, with three goals in the opening four minutes. And despite departing from the field with just under half an hour remaining, the man of the match was arguably Paul Geaney, who scored an impressive 2-5 for his side. His fellow Kerryman Stephen O’Brien was also integral to their win, scoring 2-1.
Leinster Club Quarter Finals
(St Brigid’s fans prematurely get into the Christmas spirit – INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
St Brigid’s 1-20 Horeswood 3-08: A brilliant late revival ensured Brigid’s emerged triumphant in this entertaining encounter. First half goals from Declan Murphy, David Shannon and PJ Banville seemed to have put paid to their hopes of reaching the semi finals. However, an excellent contribution from Philly Ryan (0-6) and a late Paddy Andrews goal proved enough to turn the tie around.
Athy 1-13 Old Leighin 1-03: Athy secured a comfortable ten-point victory over Old Leighin that was as straightforward as the scoreline suggests. While a late consolation for Old Leighin courtesy of Seamus Kinsella seemed to have put a veneer of respectability on his side’s performance, James Eden cancelled out his effort, scoring a last-minute penalty.
Portlaoise 1-14 Rathew 0-12: Another excellent second half display – from Portlaoise in this instance – made the difference in this contest. They trailed by four points at the break, but Brian Gaynor’s second half goal inspired the Laois side to victory, as Rathew were left to regret their slow start to the second half.
Ulster Club Semi Final
Burren 1-10 Latton 0-11: 13-man Burren edged past a determined Latton team to claim victory. While the Down side had Ciaran McGovern and Eoin McCartan sent off in the dying stages, the early second half lead they had established proved enough for them to prevail. Shane McArdle’s goal just after half time was arguably the key moment in this match, securing the necessary level of breathing space for his side, despite their opponents threatening to make a late comeback.
