ALL-IRELAND CLUB SHC SEMI-FINAL Clarinbridge 3-22 De La Salle 1-27 (After extra-time):FIFTY-THREE scores, unbearable drama, numerous turning points, Clarinbridge pulling this match out of the fire – twice. Saturday's gripping All-Ireland club hurling semi-final at Semple Stadium left 4,000 spectators spellbound from first whistle until last.
At the finish, it was Clarinbridge left standing and through to a first final since 2002, when they lost to Birr. They looked dead and buried in Thurles as De La Salle, inspired by John Mullane, appeared on course for a second final appearance in three years.
The Waterford outfit had their hands gripped tight on the Clarinbridge jugular towards the end of the regulation hour and again, in the dying minutes of extra-time. DLS led by three points with the clock fast approaching 60 minutes before Clarinbridge veteran Mark Kerins blasted a 20m free to the net, tying the game at 1-18 to 0-21.
Brother Alan, who slotted over six points in total, shot what appeared to be the winning point in the second minute of stoppage time but Bryan Phelan’s point salvaged extra-time for De La Salle.
The first period was dramatic, with the sides trading goals within a minute of each other, but Clarinbridge got the final, crucial break.
Trailing by 2-22 to 1-27, the deficit was two points but with their very last attack, Clarinbridge found a third goal and the win.
Alan Kerins unleashed a shot which De La Salle full back Ian Flynn deflected upwards, the ball falling kindly for inrushing Clarinbridge midfielder Éanna Murphy, whose effort found the net.
“Total devastation,” De La Salle manager Michael Ryan said afterwards. “Twice we were in the driving seat. Fair play to Clarinbridge, they kept battling and pulled it off in the end . . .”
CLARINBRIDGE: L Donoghue; C Forde, B Burke, P Callanan; J Cannon, D Forde (0-1), M Donoghue; B Daly (0-1), E Murphy (1-0); S Burke (0-1), M Kerins (2-5, 1-4 free, 1-0 pen), S Forde (0-1); E Forde (0-5), A Kerins (0-6), P Coen (0-2). Subs: A Armstrong for S Forde (58 mins).
DE LA SALLE: S Brenner; D Russell, I Flynn, M Doherty; B Phelan (0-3, two frees, one 65), K Moran (0-1), S Daniels; C Watt, D Twomey (0-2); P Nevin (0-1), D Greene, J Mullane (0-11, 0-6 frees); J Keane (0-2), E Barrett, J Dillon (0-3). Subs: E Madigan (1-3) for Watt (35 mins), L Hayes (0-1) for Twomey (70), Twomey for Dillon (78 mins).
Referee: J McGrath(Westmeath).
