JACFC Div 5 semi final: Pats deny Moynalty

Moynalty's Dylan Farrelly

St Patrick's 1-11 – Moynalty 1-09

St Patrick's came through a tense and dramatic encounter against Moynalty, eventually securing a two-point victory after a game that saw plenty of scores, controversy and late pressure. Moynalty opened the scoring through Cillian Gaynor after 2 minutes, before St Patrick's found their rhythm, adding a point in the 3rd minute. Jude Gilsenan got on the scoresheet after 4 minutes, but St Pat's took control and added further scores in the 6th, 13th and 18th minutes.

St Patrick's then found the net after 23 minutes to give themselves a strong advantage, with Jude Gilsenan adding another point shortly afterwards. Further scores from Pats, including a two-pointer after 25 minutes, left them firmly in control at the break.

Half-time: St Patrick's 1-08 – Moynalty 0-03.

Moynalty came out strongly after the break, with the impressive Jude Gilsenan registering another point before Dylan Farrelly slalomed through the St Pat's defence to coolly strike the goal Moynalty needed in the 10th minute to bring them back into contention.

Pats responded with two further points, but Moynalty continued to battle and slowly started to take control. Cormac Kearney, Dylan Gargan, Dylan Farrelly, Joe McMahon and Nicholas McKenna were all winning vital balls at key moments to set up Moynalty attacks. Eanna Bennett added a point after 26 minutes, before substitute Cathal Donaghue and big Joe McMahon both converted two- excellent 2 pointers within a minute of each other to bring the visitors even closer.

The closing stages were particularly tense, with Moynalty pushing forward in search of an equaliser. The game was further heightened by a number of controversial refereeing decisions throughout, which added to the tension both on and off the field. The biggest talking point came with just one minute remaining, when a disputed sideline-ball decision was deemed to have crossed the sideline and went against Moynalty as they were attacking and searching for an equaliser. The resulting sideline ball ultimately led to a point for St Pats.

Despite the late pressure and controversy, St Patrick's held on to secure a highly controversial victory.

Moynalty scorers: Jude Gilsenan 0-03, Dylan Farrelly 1-00, Cathal Donoghue 0-02, Joe McMahon 0-02, Eanna Bennett 0-01, Cillian Gaynor 0-01

Moynalty: Tommy Owens, Jake Smyth, Dylan Farrelly, Mikey Smith, Dylan Gargan, Cormac Kearney, Paddy Gallagher, Joe McMahon, Nicholas McKenna, Jude Gilsenan, Gavin Lynch, Kian Lynch, James Lynch, Eanna Bennett, Cillian Gaynor. 

Subs Used: Cathal Donoghue, Jamie Moloney, Sean Nevin