AbbVie qualify for All-Ireland decider after a goalfest win
GAA Inter-firms
All-Ireland Inter C’ship AbbVie (Sligo) 4-14 Coláiste na Sceilge 1-14
ABBVIE Sligo have qualified for a GAA Inter-firms All-Ireland Intermediate Football final. In a thrilling All-Ireland semi-final victory against Kerry’s Coláiste na Sceilge at University of Limerick last Saturday afternoon, goals made the difference for Abbvie, who won by nine points, 4-14 to 1-14.
This well-deserved result sets up a home All-Ireland final for AbbVie next month against either Regeneron (Limerick) or Tipperary ETB.
AbbVie’s potent attack generated the bulk of their scores, with forwards Alan Kennedy (1-5), Killian Kilkelly (1-4) and Darren McDonnell (1-1) contributing big scores. Midfielder Brian Reape chipped in with 1-2.
Micheál Burns, an All-Ireland winner with Kerry, notched 1-6 for Coláiste na Sceilge
Abbvie held a four-point interval lead, 2-6 to 0-8, as Killian Kilkelly’s goal just before half-time – following a sweeping move upfield – gave them an edge against tricky opponents.
That goal came when AbbVie were temporarily down to 14 players due to a 29th minute black card for Darren McDonnell.
A 15th minute goal from Brian Reape – a well-taken score – put AbbVie four points clear, 1-4 to 0-3, but Coláiste na Sceilge had the gap down to a point, 1-6 to 0-8, before that second AbbVie goal.
Coláiste na Sceilge went close with a couple of goal chances in the firsthalf – one effort was wide and another was cleared off the goal-line.
Although AbbVie went five points ahead shortly after the restart, that advantage was wiped out by the 40th minute when it was all square, 1-10 to 2-7. The key score in the Coláiste na Sceilge comeback was a goal from Micheál Burns. AbbVie were fortunate that a goal opportunity for the Kerry side was off target, with AbbVie goalkeeper Adrian McCann also saving well from another chance.
Killian Kilkelly’s point restored AbbVie’s lead and then Darren McDonnell – back after his black card break – netted to make it a four-point game again, 3-8 to 1-10.
A point from Liam Reilly, one of two Curry GAA Club players in AbbVie’s starting team, pushed it out to five points, 3-9 to 1-10.
Coláiste na Sceilge fought back yet again but the goal that they needed failed to materialise because AbbVie goalkeeper Adrian McCann stopped
Eoghan Hornibrook’s effort.
When Coláiste na Sceilge brought the gap down to three points there was a firm response from AbbVie who kicked the next four points, including successful efforts from Alan Kennedy, Killian Kilkelly and Aaron Carey.
A 14th point from Coláiste na Sceilge – their 15th score in all – left six points between them but that was that as far as Coláiste na Sceilge were concerned.
AbbVie added icing to this tasty victory cake when Alan Kennedy goaled in the closing stages.
AbbVie Sligo (v Coláiste na Sceilge):