Knockbridge pushed all the way in decider

October 2007

THE undisputed champions of Louth hurling rise to the occasion in Clan Na Gael Park, but Knockbridge are taken the distance.

The Reds defeat Pearse Óg 1-13 to 0-15 in the final of the senior championship.

For long periods, the Knockbridge three-ina-row looks a foregone conclusion, but a gutsy comeback from the Dundalk team leaves the verdict in doubt until the seventh minute of injury-time.

By that stage, Knockbridge fail to score for twenty-two minutes, as Pearse Óg chip away at a six-point lead to close the gap to 1-12 to 0-14.

However, just two added minutes are announced.

With nine substitutions, and a few injuries, two minutes seems a miserly amount.

As it turns out, Monaghan referee Hugh Leon- ard goes on to add seven minutes, during which Gerard Smyth equalises.

At the other end, David Dunne converts a 45m free to land the Paddy Kelly Cup for Knockbridge.

Knockbridge: Brendan McNally; James Quigley, Tony Teefy, Niall Byrne; Conor Kerrigan, Ray Kelly, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne (0-3), Trevor Hilliard (0-1); Eddie Quigley (0-2), Shane Kerrigan (0-3), Shane Fennell; David Kettle (0-2), Paul Donohoe (0-1), Paudie Kieran (1-1). Subs., Gareth Corcoran for J. Quigley, Dermott Plunkett for C. Kerrigan, David Kane for P. Kieran, David Duffy for A. Wallace, Shane D’Arcy for P. Donohoe.

Pearse Óg: Stephen Smyth; John Callan, Séamus McDonagh, Marcus Dennehy; Seán Conroy, Donnach Callan, David Mulholland; Brian Hassett (0-2), Shane Callan; Brian McCabe (0-1), Eddie Quigley (0-1), Gerard Smyth (0-9); Aidan Callan (0-1), Noel Callan (0-1), Kevin Brady. Subs., John O’Brien for K. Brady, Tony Del Duca for M. Dennehy, Paul Callan for N. Callan, Philip McFaul for S. McDonagh.