Shine points the way as Clann survive Tír Chonaill scare
DONIE SHINE spared Clann na nGael’s blushes as the former Connacht club kingpins survived a major fright against Tír Chonaill Gaels at Dr Hyde Park.
The London champions, appearing on the provincial stage for the first time, were leading after 42 minutes when man of the match Killian Butler landed a superb point on the turn. But the Exiles appeared to run out of steam and Clann, helped by Graham Pettit’s 44th-minute goal, regained their composure to dominate the final quarter.
The Roscommon champions’ challenge was spearheaded by Shine and full-forward Ciarán Lennon as Fergal Shine’s charges raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 advantage after 17 minutes.
Liam Gavaghan’s accuracy from play and frees furrowed a path back into proceedings for Tír Chonaill, and on the stroke of half-time they were handed a major boost when Pettit’s rash challenge on Gavaghan resulted in a penalty. Wing-forward Eoin Murray placed the ball calmly beyond David Finneran from the spot to give his side a shock 1-6 to 0-8 advantage at the interval.
Tír Chonaill Gaels then matched Clann score for score after the break until Pettit lashed beyond Gavin McEvoy in the Exiles goal.
Ultan Harney and Butler swapped points but the last scores belonged to Clann as Shine, Darra Pettit and Lennon tagged on points to seal it and set up a semi-final meeting against Corofin in the Hyde next Sunday.
SCORERS – Clann na nGael: D Shine 0-9 (7fs), C Lennon 0-3, G Pettit 1-0, D Connaughton, U Harney, D Pettit 0-1 each. Tír Chonaill Gaels: L Gavaghan 0-6 (4fs), K Butler 0-3, E Murray 1-0 (pen), B Mullin 0-1.
CLANN NA NGAEL - D Finneran; D Pettit, S Flynn, R Gavin; S Pettit, G Pettit, D Connaughton; U Harney, C Shine; C Callinan, D Shine, E Kenny; D McManus, C Lennon, J Fahy.
Subs: C McManus for Kenny (h/t), J Dunning for McManus (38), M Scally for Callinan (44), R Naughton for Fahy (56), N Connaughton for D Connaughton (60), D Sumner for C Shine (60). TÍR CHONAILL GAELS – G McEvoy; M McWilliams, P Butler, S Burke; M McCoy, A McDermott, M Moynihan; B Friel, M Gottsche; E Murray, A Hanlon, K Rafferty; B Mullin, L Gavaghan, Killian Butler. Subs: L Gallagher for Rafferty (36), R Elliot for Burke (42), E McConville for McDermott (49), A Askin for Hanlon (56), E Mageean for Murray (56), A McGarvey for McWilliams (60).
REF – E O’Grady (Leitrim).