GARDEN PARTY!

Dub giants dethroned by Wicklow underdogs in Aughrim

Rathnew (Wick) 1-13 St Vincent’s (Dub) 1-9

FORMER Wicklow midfielder James Stafford turned the screw on St Vincent’s with a thrilling late cameo in Aughrim.

Powerful Stafford struck for 1-2 in the closing minutes as underdogs Rathnew came from two points down to win by four.

They were massive outsiders against the reigning AIB Leinster club title holders and drifted out to 66/1 early on after falling 0-4 to 0-1 down.

But they stunned Brian Mullins’ back to back Dublin champions with a courageous comeback to seal a November 26 semi-final clash with Moorefield.

Rathnew were still two behind with 11 minutes to go but outscored star-studded Vincent’s 1-3 to 0-0 in the run in.

Paul Merrigan got the scoring spree started and Stafford closed out the game with a 57th minute goal and two crucial points.

Stafford said: “Without being big-headed or disrespectful, we didn’t fear them. We did respect them but fear them? No.

“We knew if we were in it for the last 10 minutes we’d have every chance of winning. Maybe it’s Rathnew’s spirit or pure ignorance, I don’t know.”

Captain Leighton Glynn weighed in with two points during the landmark win and said they always believed.

Ex-wicklow and Ireland forward Glynn said: “We had a good look at Vincent’s and we thought that, in Dublin, teams probably

paid them a bit too much respect, played a bit too defensively against them.

“We just said we’d go man to man and try to get our runners onto the ball and try to create some chances. A lot of stuff worked out for us that mightn’t on another day. That bit of luck seems to come your way when you try hard.”

Vincent’s came into the contest with a giant reputation after claiming their fourth Dublin title in five seasons.

And they were hot favourites for a fourth Leinster crown in five seasons too but never really got going. Rathnew signposted their intention to battle all the way by roaring back into the contest after the slow start.

They outscored Vincent’s by 0-6 to 0-2 in the second quarter of the game to lead by one at half-time.

Glynn and the Doyles, Mark and Eddie, were all on the mark and Harry Murphy’s men twice moved three clear after the restart.

It seemed inevitable that 2014 All-ireland champions Vincent’s would find their groove at some stage and they duly responded.

Quinn kicked 1-2 in the space of 11 minutes including a clever palmed goal after some hard running by Gavin

Burke and former Mayo ace Enda Varley.

The 45th minute goal put Vincent’s 1-9 to 0-10 ahead but they shocked everyone by failing to score again as

Rathnew, and Stafford in particular, took over for a famous win.