Late point sees Ahane bridge 23-year gap

Ahane 0-11 Na Piarsaigh 0-10

Two weeks previously, the sides couldn’t be separated and for much of the contest this was the same, level on five different occasions.

With the wind behind them in the first half, Na Piarsaigh had started well as Ronan Lynch, Conor Houlihan and Peter Casey scored.

After Morrissey — who scored 10 of his side’s 11 points — got Ahane off the mark, Kieran Daly replied, but Na Piarsaigh would only score once more in the half.

Ahane powered on, James Tuohy with a nice point while Tom Morrissey continued to find the target and as half-time approached they led by 0-6 to 0-5.

But for a penalty save from Morrissey the lead might have been greater and Na Piarsaigh profited from that left-off as they stayed with Ahane during the second half.

With 19 minutes left, Ronan Lynch edged Na Piarsaigh in front for the first time since early in the game but they would only score once more.

Peter Casey put NaPiarsaigh 0-10 to 0-9 in front in the 49th minute only for Morrissey to level and set up an intriguing final period.

Both sides passed up chances, but when Ahane managed to force a 65, Morrissey did the needful.

Scorers for Ahane: T Morrissey 0-10 (five frees, one 65), J Tuohy 0-1.

Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: R Lynch 0-5 (three frees), C Houlihan, P Casey 0-2 each, K Daly 0-1.

AHANE: A O’Brien; C Barry, E Enright, M Fox; S Hackett, P Morrissey, C Carroll; C O’Mara, J Tuohy; M Power, P O’Halloran, M O’Halloran; A Hackett, T Morrissey, P Minihan.

Subs: D Minihan for Fox (38), M Murtagh for Minihan (57).

NA PIARSAIGH: E Foley; M Andrews, P Collins, D Broderick; J Boylan, T Grimes, R Graham; E O’Brien, R Lynch; C Boylan, Kieran Daly, K Daly; M McMenemy, C Houlihan, P Casey.

Sub: J Gleeson for Kevin Daly (half-time).

Referee: J Daly (Kildimo-Pallaskenry.