Pearses into third straight Roscommon SFC final after edging epic Boyle battle

Adam McGreal netted a hat-trick for Padraig Pearses ©INPHO/John McVitty

Padraig Pearses reached their third consecutive Roscommon SFC final after edging past Boyle (5-22 to 2-27) inextra time in a Dr Hyde Park thriller.

Boyle made the brighter start and led for long periods, with Donie Smith and Oisín Cregg among their key scorers, while Darragh Cregg and Smith kept the scoreboard moving.

Pearses responded through goals from David Murray and Keelan Kelly, but Boyle refused to yield and looked to have snatched victory when Smith converted a late two-point free.

With their championship hopes hanging by a thread, Declan Kenny produced an extraordinary two-pointer from distance in the final play of normal time to send the game to extra time.

Pearses seized control in the additional 20 minutes, with Jack Tumulty and Adam McGreal finding the net before McGreal completed his hat-trick as Niall Murray’s side finally pulled clear.

Pearses will now advance to the county final where they'll face either defending champions St Brigid’s or Strokestown who meet tomorrow at 3.30pm.