Sligo into the Celtic final

SLIGO booked a place in Corn Jerome O’ Leary Celtic Challenge final following a tough battle with Kildare on Saturday in Newbridge with the result in doubt until the final whistle. Sligo got off to a flying start registering 1-4 without reply in the opening period. The goal came courtesy of Michael McDonagh ably assisted by Adam Roberts. Michael was the scorer of Sligo’s first three points, two from frees. Oisín Deehan provided Sligo’s fourth point. Sligo could have been further ahead but for a number of wides. Kildare eventually got their first point from a free taken by their full forward. They then enjoyed a purple patch adding 1-1 . The goal came from their corner forward after a long range free was sent in to the forward line. The sides exchanged a point each from frees before half time to leave Sligo in front by 1-5 to 1-3.

Kildare started the second half with intent, scoring three consecutive points, two from frees and one from their midfielder. Michael McDonagh struck a free for Sligo to level matters. Kildare, however added two points to lead 1-8 to 1-6. A point from substitute Thomas O’Brien who had just entered the field, reduced the margin to a single point. Kildare, however added two more points to extend their lead. Sligo continued to battle and a free earned by Luke Tuffy was converted by Michael McDonagh. Edwin Rolston, a recent substitute assisted Michael again and he fired over the bar from play. A foul on Edwin Rolston was again converted by McDonagh to level the scoring in the final moments, 1-10 each . Sligo were awarded a long range free and this was taken by captain Ryan O’Donnell. The final whistle sounded shortly after, much to the delight of players, mentors and supporters.

Sligo had heroes all over the field with Rory Tuffy, Fiachra Haughey, Michael McDonagh and Oisín Deehan working exceptionally hard. The team managed by MJ Crean will play Tyrone in the final on Sunday, June 2nd.

Sligo: Andoni Oskov, Dylan Walsh, Alan O’Brien, Sean Haran, Fiachra Haughey, Ryan O’Donnell (0-1f), Oisín O’Rahilly, Oisín Moylan, Rory Tuffy, Adam Roberts, Finlay O’Neill, Oisín Deehan (0-1), Conor Lenehan, Luke Tuffy, Michael Mc Donagh (1-8(6f).

Subs used: James Lynch, Thomas O’Brien (0-1), Edwin Rolston.

Subs: TJ Foody, Ronan Kearns, Liam Hargadon, Luke Gilgan, Diarmaid Feeney, Paddy Healy, Rian O’Shea, Kyle Mulligan, Luke Kirrane, Sean Mc Sweeney, Mike Gallagher, Senan Healy, Jim Gallagher.