Mark’s earn another shot at Scoil test
ST MARK’S and Scoil Ui Chonaill will have to do it all again after even extra time could not separate them in their dramatic Intermediate Hurling Championship semi final in O’Toole Park on Saturday.
A last-minute goal in regulation time by Sean McCann forced extra time and it was tit-for-tat throughout this period with Mark’s edging in front by the narrowest of margins only to see Joey Ryan serve up a tremendous point to ensure another meeting between the two sides.
It was the Tallaght side who were two points to the good at halftime with John Kelly proving a real thorn in the side of the Scoil defence with his brilliant fielding and clinical free taking.
McCann was very solid in midfield with centre half back Karl Hoare superb in defence and Ryan Farrell likewise at corner forward while goalkeeper Karl Lanney pulled off a couple of top drawer saves.
Scoil Ui Chonaill began battling their way back in the second period with Barry Cushen on target and Paraic Naughton working hard to put the breaks on David O’Callaghan.
Darragh Levins at wing back made some super solo runs that relived some of the pressure for Scoil at crucial times as they eventually carved out a three point advantage.
But just when it looked like they had done enough to secure a title match clash with Cuala on October 21, McCann hit the net for Mark’s after O’Callaghan’s free in had been cleared away, but only as far as him and he duly sent it back in with interest.
The introduction of David Kearns at half back and Joey Cannon at half forward had helped steady the ship for Mark’s and it showed as their title battle with Scoil continued into extra time.
This time around it was Mark’s who had their nose in front as the full time whistle approached, but Ryan, who had been substituted in normal time was re-introduced in extra time and rewarded this decision with a sublime equaliser, shooting over from the sideline when under pressure.
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