Corn Ui Mhuiri final ends up in a stalemate
Though it ended in a welter of excitement, both football nurseries will be somewhat pleased to get another chance to put on their best bib and tucker and claim the Corn Ui Mhuiri (Munster PP SFC final).
Neither PS Chorca Dhuibhne or Rochestown did enough to lift the blue riband of Munster colleges football in Killarney today, but it's the Cork college that will have the greater regret ahead of the replay.
Having played into the elements in the first period, they only trailed 1-4 to 0-5 at the change of ends. But they suffered a battery malfunction in the third quarter, and trailed 1-7 to 0-5 after 37 minutes.
One moment in the 48th minute, though, gave the Cork school the lifeline they required - a point attempt from Daniel Meaney dropped short for Ciaran Cormack to fist to the net, levelling the final at 1-7 apiece.
If it was fortunate in its making, it was no more so than the Chorca Dhuibhne goal in the 15th minute that put the reigning champions in charge - wing back Tom O'Sullivan profited from sloppy play by Roco but his shot took a deflection and looped over Paddy Lynch in the Roco goal.
Dingle enjoyed their best period after half time and Cormack's goal was against the run of play.
It shook Chorca Dhuibhne from their slumber and two quick points from Ger Brosnan and Conor Geaney put them in the box seat again with nine minutes left.
Shane Kingston wided two frees,, but converted two easier ones to level things before Sean Powter - quite the prospect - edged Roco into a winning position with time up.
Could they hang on and put the disappointment of last week's Harty Cup loss behind them? Dingle had other ideas, though a silly late tackle from a Roco forward made their job easier - Seamus O Muirceartaigh holding his nerve from 40m to claim the draw.
The replay, again likely to be at Dr Crokes pitcvh in Killarney, is slated for March 8th, though that's also the day of the Cork-Kerry Allianz FL game in Pairc Ui Rinn.
Talks may ensue.
C. O Geigheannaigh (0-5, three frees); Tom O'Sullivan (1-1), S O Muirceartaigh (0-2, one free), M O Gormain, G Hici O Brosnachain (0-1 each).
S Kingston (0-6, 3 frees); C Cormack (1-1), S Powter, E Ryle, L O'Sullivan (0-1 each).
L de Bhailis (Dingle); C O Suilleabhain (Dingle), T O Suilleabhain (Dingle), C O Murchu (Gaeltacht); A O Conchuir (Dingle), B O Beaglaoich (Gaeltacht) T. O'Sullivan (Dingle); P Mac an tSithigh (Dingle), M O Conchuir (Dingle); G Hici O Brosnachain (Dingle), S O Muirceartaigh (0-1, Gaeltacht), M O Gormain (Gaeltacht); C O Geigheannaigh (Dingle) S O Garbhai (Gaeltacht), C O Bambaire (Dingle).
Corn Ui Mhuiri (Munster PP SF) final B Mac an Bradan (Renvyle) for Mac an tSitigh (44).
P Lynch (St Michael's); D Kelleher (Cobh), N Quirke (Carrigaline), D Murphy (Douglas); N Walsh (Douglas), D Griffin (Carrigaline), S Powter (Douglas); E. O'Brien (Douglas), E Ryle (Carrigaline); L O'Sullivan (St Michael's), S Kingston (0-3, one free, Douglas), D Meaney (St Michael's); B McAuliffe (Douglas), M McAuliffe (Douglas), C Cormack (St Michael's).
K O'Donovan (Nemo Rgs) for M McAuliffe (43); L Dineen (Douglas) for Kelleher (48); C Sheehan (Douglas) for O'Sullivan; J Holland (Douglas) for B McAuliffe.
R Moloney (Limerick)
