Impressive Johnston gives Gaels real edge

Former Kildare player Seanie Johnston celebrated his first championship start this year with his native Cavan Gaels by inspiring them to a convincing 2-12 to 0-8 over outsiders Cuchulainns in a tepid Cavan SFC semi-final.

Johnston was on fire at Kingspan/Breffni Park, scoring 1-8 over the hour, including 1-5 from play, and incorporating a brace of points in the second half straight out of purist’s video collection.

Securing their place in the blue riband final for the 14th time in the last 15 years, the county town side did most of their best business in the second half when they out-scored their opponents by 2-6 to 0-4.

Johnston and Co. led by 0-6 to 0-3 at the end of a slow burner of a first half,

but their supremacy was cemented thereafter with goals by Niall Murray and, late on, Johnston.

Ballinagh will take on Kingscourt Stars in their SFC semi-final after securing a hard-fought 3-10 to 2-8 win over neighbours Mullahoran last night.

The opening eight minutes saw four of the five goals in the game being recorded with brothers Paul and Philip Brady netting for Mullahoran as they sashayed their way into a 2-0 to 1-3 lead, with Enda Brady netting for the eventual winners.

Ballinagh struck gold again in the 18th minute when Niall McDermott netted after the Mullahoran defence failed to deal with a high delivery.

Ballinagh were forced to work overtime on the restart to consolidate their 3-4 to 2-5 interval lead and a brace of quality frees from Enda Reilly left just two points between the sides with 11 minutes left to play.

That was as good as it got for Mullahoran, with Ballinagh sealing the deal courtesy of three unanswered points, including a fisted effort by the impressive Thomas Moore.