Pat’s book Sheelan final date with Mattock

ST PATRICK’S will face Mattock Rangers in the upcoming Paddy Sheelan Cup decider after overcoming St Bride’s in the second semi-final at Pairc Eamonn last Tuesday night.

The hosts started the better with two early points from ex-county stars Paddy Keenan (free) and Dessie Finnegan who slotted over after a surging run from defence.

However, the Reds took control of matters after that and notched three points without reply, with two free kicks from Aaron Hoey sandwiching a Kevin Hearty effort.

Keenan equalised with a long-range effort, but St Bride’s then hit a mini purple patch and four unanswered scores -a Shane Devin brace, another pointed free from Hoey and a James Costelloe point - had them 0-7 to 0-3 in front.

Just when the game seemed to be slipping away from the Lordship men, Keenan registered from play and then substitute Evan White got on the scoresheet to make it a two-point game at half-time.

On the restart Keenan, pointed a free to leave the minimum between the sides, but St Bride’s responded by raising the white flag three more times, with the trusted left boot of Hoey converting a trio of frees. That left the scoreboard reading 0-10 to 0-6 in the visitors’ favour with 20 minutes to play.

Tempers flared a number of times, with the referee brandishing five yellow cards to the hosts, and St Patrick’s needed to engineer something special.

They responded by bringing on another ex-county star, Ray Finnegan, and he made an impact almost straightaway when he fisted a ball to the net after it broke favourably to him.

That score, against the run of play, was a lifeline for Pat’s and it was followed up by an equaliser by Cathal Grogan.

St Bride’s fell apart in the latter stages and Aidan Mc Cann put his side ahead for only the second time of the game on 53 minutes.

The match was put beyond all doubt two minutes later when Grogan found himself one-on-one with Bride’s custodian Darren Breen. His effort was parried by Breen but rebounded back into the full forward’s arms and he slotted home.

St Bride’s had two goal efforts brilliantly saved by Rory Duffy before Mc Cann kicked an insurance point and Hearty converted a penalty for the visitors with almost the last kick of the game.