Erne Gaels snatch draw at the death in epic Fermanagh SFC decider

Ultan Kelm. Pic: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

Fermanagh SFC final: Erne Gaels 2-14 Derrygonnelly Harps O-2O 

A last-gasp pointed free from Erne Gaels veteran Seamus Ryder tied a truly epic encounter against 14-man Derrygonnelly in Brewster Park.

There was an element of controversy about the free as an Erne Gaels player appeared to have touched the ball on the ground.

It looked bleak for the reigning county champions when Derrygonnelly keeper Jack Kelly converted a two-pointer free to put the Harps into a O-19 to 1-11 lead five minutes from time.

But Erne Gaels hit back with a well-worked goal from Paul Ward and a point from captain Ryan Lyons to leave just a point between the sides to set up a fabulous finish.

Harps man of the match Gary McKenna pointed a free to leave Derrygonnelly leading by O-2O to 2-12.

Barry McCann pointed for Belleek and Ryder landed the last gasp equaliser in a game that nobody deserved to lose.

But 14-man Harps will be disappointed that they were not able to hold out after going five points up five minutes from time.

However, once again, Erne Gaels showed courage and character in buckets.

Derrygonnelly took off like a freight train, and wing back Rian McGovern swung over a fine point after 5O seconds.

This was quickly followed by another point from midfielder Jarlath Flanagan as the lively McGovern made it O-3 to O-O.

After four minutes, Erne Gaels shook themselves and midfielder Brian Mullin went through the centre of the Harps' defence and pointed in a frenetic opening five minutes.

But, the Harps were in the ascendancy and McGovern landed his third point.

However, the game took the first of two dramatic twists when a lightning Belleek move involving Oisin and Aogan Kelm ended with the latter slamming the ball to the net as it came back off the stanchion in the Harps net.

But, the Harps were struck another blow when the in-form McGovern was given a straight red card after referee Barry Monaghan consulted with linesman James Lewis.

It was then that McKenna showed his class with two sublime two-pointers to put the Harps into a O-9 to 1-3 lead as Mullin hit a point for the Gaels.

Conall Rasdale scored a free for the Harps and Ryan Lyons replied for the Gaels as the Harps led by O-1O to 1-4 at the break.

The Gaels had two early points from Ultan Kelm and Shane Rooney to leave it a one-point game.  

McKenna added two more points to put the Harps into a O-12 to 1-6 lead.

Sub Seamie Ryder narrowed the gap with a fine point and Barry McCann made it a one-point lead for the Harps.

Harps captain Shane McGullion stretched the lead to two points as the pace quickened.

Erne Gaels carved out a goal chance but Jack Kelly made a superb save from Aogan Kelm’s rasper.

But the inevitable McKenna increased the Harps lead before Ryan Lyons landed a two-pointer as the Harps led by O-14 to 1-1O.

However, Harps sub Michael Duffy brilliantly replied in kind for his side to make it O-16 to 1-1O.

Tommy McCaffrey pointed for Belleek but Jarlath Flanagan replied for the Harps as the finishing line beckoned.

But we had more drama as keeper Kelly hit another two-pointer to leave the Harps ahead by O-19 to 1-11.

However, a goal and a point from Paul Ward and Ryan Lyons cut the Harps lead to the minimum.

And although McKenna pointed another free, Barry McCann and Ryder’s late leveller put the seal on a marvellous match.

Erne Gaels: Brian Ryder; Paul Ward (1-O) Jack McCann, Ultan O’Reilly; Oisin Kelm, Ryan Lyons (O-3), Odhran Johnston; Michael Óg McGarrigle, Brian Mullin (O-2); Dan McCann, Thomas McCaffrey (O-1), Aogan Kelm (1-O); Shane Rooney (O-1), Ultan Kelm (O-2), Barry McCann (O-3 2f).

Subs: Seamie Ryder (O-2 1f) for Dan McCann (35), Martin Gilfedder for Odhran Johnston (4O).

Derrygonnelly Harps: Jack Kelly (O-2tp); Aaron Jones, Oisin Smyth, Michael Jones; Rian McGovern (O-3), Shane McGullion (O-1), Ronan McHugh; Jarlath Flanagan (O-2), Stephen McGullion; Gareth McGovern, Leigh Jones, Aidan McKenna; Conall Rasdale (O-,1f), Rory Smyth (O-1), Gary McKenna (O-8, 2tp).

Subs: Aidan Duffy for Aidan McKenna (25), Conor Burns and Michael Duffy (O-2tp) for Rory Smyth and Ronan McHugh (41).

Referee: Barry Monaghan (Irvinestown)