Palatine oust champions

New football champions will be crowned in Carlow this year after Palatine defeated Old Leighlin, winners for the past two years, in a thrilling SFC quarter-final at Dr Cullen Park on Saturday.

Palatine led 1-7 to 0-4 at half time, their goal coming late in the half. Old Leighlin reduced the leeway to two points (1-7 to 0-8) but a superb solo goal from Paul Reid secured a 2-10 to 0-12 win for Palatine.

Saturday’s other quarter-final clash between O’Hanrahans and Tinryland ended in stalemate – 0-11 apiece. The townsmen were never headed and led 0-7 to 0-6 at half time, having missed some glorious goal chances

In a very tight second half, Tinryland forced the tie to a replay when Paul Broderick converted a late 45.

Ray Walker gave a man of the match performance for O’Hanrahans in midfield in a game where Tinryland hit 13 wides.

The SFC semi-final draw sees 25 time champions Éire Óg meet the winners of the O’Hanrahans v Tinryland replay in what could be an all-county town clash. Palatine meet Rathvilly in the other semi-final.

The quarter-final replay takes place on Saturday at Dr Cullen Park (3.30 pm) and will be followed by the Palatine/Rathvilly semi-final (5.00 pm).