CROSSMAGLEN came perilously close to exiting the Armagh Championship as Killeavy pushed them all the way in today’s semi-final at the Athletic Grounds.
The three-in-a-row chasing Rangers led 0-10 to 0-5 at the break but the game turned on Tony Kernan’s dismissal with Killeavy levelling the score at 0-13 to 0-13 with just six minutes remaining. Two scores from Darragh O’Callaghan secured another final spot for Stephen Kernan’s side though.
They will meet Maghery in the final for the very first time after the latter’s 1-12 to 0-10 win over Pearse Og at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday evening.
Finnian Moriarty’s side were two points down at the first water-break but hit 1-5 without reply between there and the interval with Stephen Cusack scoring their goal from the penalty spot.
The Ogs continued to waste chances in the second half which allowed Maghery to maintain that sizeable gap as they returned to the decider.
Middletown, meanwhile, earned a notable win in the Armagh Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final as Dean Gaffney’s goal helped them to a 1-17 to 0-16 win over rivals Keady.
Eoin Kelly was the hero for Errigal Ciaran as his last-gasp score earned his side a spot in this year’s Tyrone Senior Championship semi-finals at the expense of Dromore.
The midfielder popped up with the winner moments after Peter Harte had drawn the side level as they snuck through on a 0-12 to 0-11 scoreline.
They will meet Dungannon, Thomas Clarke’s in next weekend’s semi-finals with their opponents also performing their own escape act today.
They looked dead and buried until Paul Donaghy kicked a few late scores to force extra-time. Ardboe again held sway for most of extra-time, Kyle Coney putting them three ahead at one stage, but three more points from Donaghy and scores from Patrick Quinn and Kevin Barker gave Dungannon a 0-23 to 2-15 win.
Coalisland will face Trillick in the semi-final after their hard-fought 1-9 to 1-6 win over Derrylaughan on Saturday – Tiarnan Quinn with the Na Fianna goal.
Kilcoo got the defence of their Down SFC title back on track on Sunday night as they enjoyed a five-point win over Burren (1-11 to 0-9) to set up a last-eight clash with Rostrevor, while Clonduff left it late to earn their spot in the quarter-finals after a controversial 2-11 to 0-16 win over Mayobridge at Páirc Esler.
Ross Carr was the Clonduff hero as he palmed home a winning goal deep into injury time, but Mayobridge were left furious about the awarding of Clonduff’s first goal. ‘Bridge goalkeeper Shealan Starin appeared to have dealt with a routine catch but a few seconds later, to the surprise of all in Newry, the umpire raised the green flag.
In the Down Senior Hurling Championship, Portaferry made it four wins from five as Conor Mageean, Ryan Convery and Dathí Sands all found the net in the first half to help them to a 3-25 to 1-17 win over Bredagh.
Creggan and Lámh Dhearg secured their place in the Antrim football semi-finals following wins over Naomh Éanna and Aghagallon respectively.
Early goals from Paddy Coey and Ruairi McCann put Creggan in control and they eventually won out on a 3-9 to 1-8 scoreline.
Lámh Dhearg had it much more difficult as they defeated Aghagallon 1-10 to 0-12. Ryan Murray was the hero as his left-footed effort just crept inside the post to win the game.
In the Antrim Hurling Championship, Rossa secured a semi-final with Dunloy after a superb 2-11 to 0-16 with Stephen Beatty grabbing both goals. St John’s are also through after a 1-16 to 0-15 win over St Gall’s. Ballygalget earned an impressive 3-13 to 0-17 win over Ballycran.
In Fermanagh, Ederney, Kinawley and Teemore all progressed to the semi-finals.
On Saturday, Ederney got revenge on Belnaleck for last year’s defeat with a 1-11 to 2-2 win while Kinawley were 2-8 to 1-9 winners over Erne Gaels.
Earlier today, Teemore secured their spot in the last four with a 2-9 to 0-13 win over Tempo, Ryan Maguire and Barry Owens grabbing the goals in the first half.
Oisin McConville continues to impress as Inniskeen manager as they reached the last four of the Monaghan Championship after a commanding 2-17 to 1-9 win over Truagh Gaels, Paul Meegan and Sean Jones with their goals in the first half.
Carrickmacross are also in the last four courtesy of a thrilling 3-13 to 1-15 win over Magheracloone.
Castleblayney and Donaghmoyne will meet in the relegation final after they lost to Clontibret and Latton respectively.
In Derry, Slaughtneil and Dungiven will meet in a repeat of last year’s Senior Hurling Championship final. The holders defeated Swatragh 5-33 to 0-8 while Dungiven were 3-23 to 0-9 winners against Ballinascreen.
In the Cavan quarter-finals, Cavan Gaels recorded an impressive 2-19 to 0-15 win over Ramor United, Castlerahan edged Lavey 3-13 to 0-21 after extra-time and Kingscourt beat Mullahoran 0-22 to 2-15.
