Celbridge on course

Champions Celbridge are on course for a fourth successive Kildare SHC crown after beating Ardclough in a remarkable semi-final replay.

Ardclough’s Tony Spain netted a brilliant goal in the 57th minute to push his side ahead by two but Celbridge showed they have character to match their class by scoring 1-3 in an amazing five minutes of injury-time.

A Conor Kenny goal in the 61st minute broke Ardclough hearts before points from Gerry Keegan, Sam White and Mark Moloney sealed victory. The champions looked in control when they led 1-8 to 0-5 after 29 minutes but a Brian Coulston goal gave Ardclough a fighting chance.

A second Ardclough goal from Paul Fitzgerald five minutes after the restart brought them level and it was nip and tuck up that dramatic finish which sees Celbridge meet Confey in Sunday’s county final.