Ulster club SFC semi-final
CAVAN GAELS BOOKED their first Ulster final in 40 years with a remarkable 5-7 to 2-15 semi-final replay win over Derrygonnelly Harps of Fermanagh in Clones.
The Cavan champions needed a dramatic goal from Barry Fortune in the sixth minute of injury-time to set-up a showdown with holders Slaughtneil in the decider.
Corner-forward Paul O’Connor hit a hat-trick for Cavan Gaels, while Seanie Johnston added another to leave them 4-5 to 1-8 ahead shortly after half-time.
Conal Jones replied with a goal for Derrygonnelly and points followed from Gary McKenna, Declan Cassidy and Paul Ward to leave the sides level in the final ten minutes.
Ryan Jones landed a massive point to push the Fermanagh outfit in front in the 63rd minute, but Fortune hit the match-winning goal for Cavan Gaels three minutes later.
Connacht club IFC final
Michael Glaveys enjoyed a 3-14 to 1-12 win over Claregalway to lift the Connacht intermediate title this afternoon.
Goals from Caoileann Fitzmaurice, Conor Hussey and an own goal from the Claregalway goalkeeper handed the Roscommon side a deserved victory.
Galway forward Danny Cummins bagged 0-3 and Mark Rohan scored a goal for Claregalway, but Michael Glaveys were able to keep daylight between the sides largely thanks to an eight-point haul from man-of-the-match Andy Glennon, including 0-7 from play.
We have to make room in the trophy cabinet for this one 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b1PfslpOzx
— Michael Glaveys GAA (@glaveys) November 19, 2017
Connacht club JFC final
Meanwhile in the Connacht junior final it was Lahardane MacHales who tasted victory thanks to a 1-15 to 3-5 win over Ballymote.
LahardaneMacHalesGAA / Twitter
LahardaneMacHalesGAA / Twitter / Twitter
The small Mayo club, who are led by former county boss John Maughan, conceded two goals in the opening period and trailed by 2-2 to 0-4 at half-time.
But they dominated after the restart, outscoring Ballymote by 0-8 to 0-1 in the ten minutes after the turnaround. They found the net late on to seal the victory.
Lahardane manager Maughan managed Clare to the Munster title in 1992, but after the game today he said this victory was up there with his greatest managerial achievements.
Massive day for @lahardanegaa winning @ConnachtGAA JFC title today. Days like this is what GAA is about, small clubs - big days to remember for ever. #gaa pic.twitter.com/CgDW0U68xF
— Colm Gannon (@ColmGannon) November 19, 2017
Leinster club senior camogie final
Kilkenny stars Shelly and Meighan Farrell, who lost the All-Ireland final with their county in September, helped their club Thomastown to the Leinster title this afternoon.
Thomastown defeated Wexford club St Martin’s by 0-16 to 3-6, after trailing by 2-3 to 0-8 at half-time.
Wexford goalkeeper Mags D’Arcy pulled off a couple of fine saves for St Martin’s but a host of frees from Niamh Donnelly saw the favourites home.
Finally, Johnstownbridge lifted the Leinster club intermediate camogie title with a 2-9 to 1-8 win over Myshall.
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Mad to think he’s only just about to turn 29 given how long he’s been on the scene. He seems to have turned his life around a bit since he joined Sale. I’d love to see him have a big impact now he’s returned to Australia. He was such a talent when he broke onto the scene but couldn’t get out of his own way.
@Eddie Hekenui: agreed not only does he provide a spark in defence but hes a tough tackler as well. Very interested to see where Cheika plays him
@Eddie Hekenui: credit where credit is due, Steve Diamond and his setup seems to be able to rehabilitate and get the best out of guys like O’Connor as well. Also this is not the first time he’s allowed players to leave early to pursue their international dreams, with Ireland also being a beneficiary. I know there has been some criticism of his methods, I probably don’t know enough of the background to comment on that, but players do seem to want to play for him.
@Gareth Wogan: Do you really think Cheika will play him at all, given the length of time he’s been away from international rugby?
Folau’s ignorance=O’Connor’s opportunity
@Nicholas Ryan: exactly !!
Imagine him on the wing as a 21 year old and folau in his prime at fullback together… Don’t need anyone lecturing me about folau I’m well aware of the situation. Just imagine though
Always struggled to find his best position with the wobs