Division 2 the prize for Roche or Na Piarsaigh
ROCHE Emmets will face Na Piarsaigh for a Division 2 berth in 2018 as the sides overcame St Kevin’s and Lannleire respectively in midweek.
Roche bounced back from a disappointing championship semi-final showing against Glyde Rangers to see off St Kevin’s.
Not for the first time in his long career, Kevin Callaghan was the Roche hero, kicking eight points, including some crucial late scores.
Kevin Callaghan pulled Roche through and into the promotion final for the second year in succession in Rathduff on Friday night.
Roche led by 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval, but fell behind in the second period as St Kevin’s turned around to take advantage of the breeze.
But Roche showed great character in the final quarter and deservedly pulled clear to seal a 0-16 to 0-11 victory.
They will now face Na Piarsaigh in the decider after the Dundalk men saw off Lannleire by 1-12 to 1-9.
The sides were level - six points each - at the interval, but an excellent Paul Callan goal 15 minutes into the second half gave Lannleire a three point cushion.
However, the home side finished strongly out-scoring their visitors by 1-4 to 0-1 to book a showdown with Roche.