Busy day for club football

Draws were the order of the day in Leinster where reigning provincial champions Moorefield were given a testing time by Longford winners Dromard at St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge.

Not even extra-time could separate two well balanced sides who now must meet again for a replay next Sunday at 2.30pm in Pearse Park, Longford after they finished level at 1-12 apiece.

Very little separated Meath champions Senchelstown and Dublin side St. Vincent’s at Parnell Park with the sides now facing into a replay following a thrilling 1-8 to 0-11 draw with the goal coming from the penalty spot in the second half.

The winners of that replay will face a home tie against 2004 champions Portlaoise who were convincing 1-14 to 0-5 winners over St. Patrick’s Louth at Dundalk.

Five points from the boot of Peter McNulty helped Portlaoise to a well merited 0-9 to 0-2 lead with Damien Connor scoring both of St. Patrick’s points in the opening 14 minutes. The Louth outfit would not score again until the 53rd minute, but Portlaoise were into a firm lead at this stage with half-time substitute Danny Reddin scoring an excellent goal midway through the second half.

Meanwhile back-to-back Westmeath champions Tyrrellspass advanced to the semi-finals after their slender 2-6 to 0-11 win over former All-Ireland champions Éire Óg of Carlow at Dr. Cullen Park.

In Munster there were two tight quarter-finals down for decision, Kerry representatives Kilcummin, home club of former GAA President Sean Kelly had a testing time before advancing to the final following a 1-9 to 1-5 victory over Clare champions Lissycasey at Cusack Park, Ennis.

James Masters was one of the main influences for Nemo Rangers as they advanced to the semi-finals thanks to a 1-14 to 2-6 win over Tipperary’s Moyle Rovers at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cork star Masters was on target with eight points, but this was far from an easily won contest as his side were made battle hard throughout.

A wind assisted Rangers held a 1-7 to 1-2 interval lead with Paul Kerrigan netting for the eventual winners.

A second goal for Moyle Rovers on the restart from Pauric Kelly helped cut the deficit to two points in the 41st minute and that was still the margin as injury-time approached.

However Nemo Rangers kicked three late points to finish with five points to spare.

In Ulster, a Conor O’Neill goal ensured that Down champions Mayobridge exited the competition with Dromore of Tyrone advancing after a 1-9 to 1-7 victory at Newry.

The teams entered the break level at 0-6 a piece but Mayobridge broke into the lead on the restart thanks to a Conor Garvey goal.

However Dromore never gave up and O’Neill’s late goal helped steer the Tyrone men to victory.

Reigning Connacht champions St. Brigid’s continued their quest for back-to-back titles when they faced Galway side Killererin at Tuam Stadium and four goals proved to be decisive as the

Roscommon outfit registered a 4-10 to 1-11 win.

They will face Ballina Stephenites in the Connacht decider, after the Mayo side had four points to spare over Tourlestrane at Ballina. The 2005 All-Ireland champions emerging 1-8 to 1-4 winners over the Sligo outfit.

And in county final action, Baltinglass broke a 13 year hoodoo by overcoming Rathnew in their replay at Aughrim by 0-8 to 0-6 in the Wicklow decider, Feale Rangers were crowned Kerry Senior football champions thanks to a 1-4 to 0-6 win over South Kerry while Ballinacourty emerged 3-4 to 1-7 winners over Ardmore in the Waterford final.