St Faithleach’s reached the Connacht IFC final today following a 1-12 to 1-11 victory over St. Farnan’s after extra time at Dr. Hyde Park.
St Faithleach’s led 1-4 to 0-4 at half-time before St Farnan’s fought back to make it 1-6 to 0-9 at full-time. The Roscommon champions subsequently prevailed following a superior extra time display.
St Faithleach’s led 1-3 to 0-2 at the first water break with Conall Kennelly scoring 0-2 while Ciaran Murtagh registered 1-1; the opening goal coming on 11 minutes.
Points from Paddy O’Connor and Stephen Mulligan made it a two-point game on 27 minutes before a Ciaran Murtagh point six minutes later left three between them at half-time.
St Faithleach’s failed to score during the third quarter while three successive points from the Sligo champions left the minimum margin between them at the three-quarter mark.
The St. Farnan’s onslaught continued resulting in a level game at full-time while St. Faithleach's played out second-half stoppage time with 14 men after Mikey Cox received a second yellow card.
Paddy O’Connor found the net for St. Farnan’s early in extra time but St. Faithleach’s finally found their form and their attacking edge from that point.
Diarmuid Murtagh, Jonathan Hussey and Darragh Hussey were all on target as they moved in front before subsequently holding on after a frantic finish.
St. Faithleach's can now look forward to a Connacht final against either Mayo Gaels or Naomh Anna Leitir Moir early next year.
