Glen Emmets will play John Mitchels in the Junior Championship Final after both came through closely contested semi-finals at Stabannon on Firday night.

The Tullyallen side defeated Glyde Rangers on a 2-11 to 1-8 scoreline in the opening game before John Mitchels edged out Na Piarsaigh by 2-12 to 0-17.

Glen Emmets had to be patient as they overturned an interval deficit before booking place in the decider with goals from Keelan O’Neill and Conor Grimes proving crucial.

It was Glyde who took the lead through Alan Kirk and after the teams traded scores the Emmets opened up a 0-5 to 0-3 gap on 20 minutes thanks to successive points from Grimes. However, it was the Tallanstown side who dominated the remainder of the half and goal from Alan Kirk along with points from Trevor O’Brien saw their side lead by 1-6 to 0-6 at half time.

A shock was very much on the cards at that stage but Glen Emmets struck an important blow straight from the restart when O’Neill found the back of the net to level the game.

James Butler edged the Emmets ahead before Grimes added the second goal on 40 minutes to put his side firmly in command with a 2-10 to 1-7 lead. Glyde were unable to maintain the challenge and only added three points in the second half as Tullyallen side completed the victory with the help of points from Ronan Grufferty.

Meanwhile, Division 3B side John Mitchels caused a surprise when they overcame Na Piarsaigh in a dramatic finish thanks to two late points from John Gallagher.

The Dundalk side looked to have won it when David Boyle put them ahead with three minutes remaining but they couldn’t hold out in the end.

The Ballybailie side made the perfect start when John Bingham found the net after three minutes and although Na Piarsaigh hit back to level with scores from Robert Murphy, Mark Larkin and Paul Mallon, Gallagher added a second goal on eight minutes.

Gareth Kane and Mikey Nulty were on target as the Mitchels stretched the lead but late points from Micheal Begley and Conall Shields cut the gap to 2-5 to 0-10 at the break.

It was neck and neck throughout an entertaining second half with Trevor Matthews among those on target for the Mid Louth side, while Vinny Chorley replied at the other end to level the game with five minutes remaining.

Boyle had the Dundalk side within touching distance of victory, but it was Gallagher who had the final say with two pointed frees to send his team into the final.

Tweet

Most Read Stories