It was a tale of two missed penalties as Tullamore and Ferbane came through two titanic Offaly SFC semi-finals at the weekend to reach the final.

Anton Sullivan’s uncharacteristic wide from the spot in extra-time was the key moment in Ferbane’s surprise 0-20 to 1-14 victory over holders Rhode on Saturday evening, while Corey White’s 51st minute penalty save from Cian Farrell was crucial to Tullamore’s 1-13 to 1-12 win over big underdogs Edenderry.

Ironically, Ferbane had lost two of the previous three semi-finals on penalties, while Aaron Leavy’s converted first half penalty ultimately got Tullamore across the line against a battling Edenderry team whose best performance of the season just wasn’t enough.

The concession of an early Niall McNamee goal didn’t unsettle 2019 champions Ferbane who recovered well to lead by 0-7 to 1-3 at half-time on Saturday. With Sullivan in fine scoring form, Rhode regained the lead in the second half and Ferbane needed a late Joe Maher free to force extra-time before their younger legs told in the additional 20 minutes.

The other semi-final yesterday was equally as dramatic. Leavy’s penalty had Tullamore five up early in the second period, but underdogs Edenderry hit back with a goal from Sean Doyle and were two points up before three late Luke Plunkett frees got the Blues across the line.

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