Sheehan’s late salvo preserves Na Piarsaigh’s senior status

A GARY SHEEHAN goal two minutes from time ensured Na Piarsaigh retain their senior status for another season, following a cracking Evening Echo SFC relegation final at Cloughduv last night.

It looked as if the city side was going to drop down to the intermediate grade after 43 years playing senior as they trailed by two points with time running out. But, in one final assault on the Naomh Abán defence, Sheehan got his fist to Padraigh Gould’s cross to spark marvellous scenes of jubilation at the final whistle, and leave their opponents shattered by the cruelty of it all.

Both sides will agree that had they played as well in previous rounds they would not have found themselves in a relegation final. Naomh Abán have only themselves to blame for losing this game. Twice in a rip roaring contest they lost a five-point lead, and over the 60-odd minutes did enough to at least earn a replay.