High drama in Keating battle Late goal floors Tinahely

at Pearses’ Park, Arklow minutes played.

Ciaran Tyrell and Kevin Murphy were starting to dominate at midfield; however, the Hollywood forward’s hit three bad wides in the next five minutes to let Tinahely off the hook.

PJ O’Keefe sent a high ball into the danger zone but Niall Byrne caught and cleared the ball brilliantly. Moments later Niall Byrne had a quick kick out which PJ O’Keefe intercepted and was fouled and then the Kilbride official moved the ball in for dissent, point number three for Stephen Kearney to level the game in the 27th minute. Kevin Murphy hit a colossal point to put Hollywood a point to the good and then Tinahely hit another wide on the half-time whistle. Both teams amassed seven wide’s each in the first half.

Hollywood started the second half with the aid of the moderate breeze. However, Alan Dillion fisted the equalising point within 30 seconds of the restart. Brian Walsh somehow put a glorious goal chance wide for Tinahely wide moment’s later. Alan Dillion brought a point blank save from goalie Jamie Tutty which went out for a 45 as another goal chance went a begging.

David Blake then had an effort come back of the upright as Tinahely let Hollywood off the hook big time.

Stephen Kearney then pointed to put the west side back in front after great build up play by Cian Tyrell who was fouled, after the ball was moved forward again for dissent. James Gilbert had a great clearance off his goal line as Hollywood rose up a gear.

Steven Kearney pointed another free for the west side, to go two up with 43 minutes played. Tinahely brought on Gavin Kenny.

Stephen Dillion kicked an almighty point for Tinahely before Alan Dillion levelled matters in the 50th minute from a free. Tinahely had another wide moments later. Jason Cush pointed to put Tinahely ahead. Hollywood introduced Gareth Bell and John Teehan Burke. Alan Dillion pointed another free to put them two up after 56 minutes.

One could feel the tension in the air with what was at stake. Gareth Bell kicked a massive point in the 57th minute as it was now back down to a one-point game.

The Hollywood defence battled like mad as Tinahely came back again. Hollywood hit two bad wides as the 60th minute was closing in.

Ciaran Tyrell pumped in the Hail Mary ball into the danger zone and, cruelly, the full-back Michael Byrne fisted the ball into his own net.

Tinahely now face neighbours Annacurra in a monumental must win battle to remain Senior.

Scorers – Hollywood: Stephen Kearney 0-05, Michael Byrne 1-00 (OG), Kevin Murphy 0-01, Gareth Bell 0-01.

Tinahely: Alan Dillion 0-04, Alan Nolan 0-01, Tony Darcy 0-01, Stephen Dillion 0-01, Jason Cush 0-01.

Hollywood: Jamie Tutty; Rob Houlihan, Eoin Burke, Shane Kelly; Conor Burke, Rob Kelly, Seany O’Keefe; Ciaran Tyrell, Kevin Murphy; Cian Tyrell, Harry Wilson, Stephen Kearney; Niall Clarke, PJ O’Keefe, Matthew Kelly. Subs: Gareth Bell for Kevin Murphy, (50min). John Teehan Burke for Niall Clarke (46min)

Tinahely: Niall Byrne; James Gilbert, Michael Byrne,Laurence Keating; Ray McGlynn, Conor Hatton, John Blake; Brian Walsh, Alan Nolan; Padraig Murphy, Steven Dillion, Jason Cush; David Blake, Alan Dillion, Tony Darcy. Sub: Gavin Kenny for Padraig Nolan (48min).

Ref: Noel Kinsella (Kilbride).