Kiltimagh book Connacht final spot in shootout drama
Kiltimagh’s Jordan Henry shoots for the posts during the AIB Connacht GAA JFC Semi-Final at Ballyforan, Roscommon, this afternoon. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Jamie McNicholas was the hero for Kiltimagh as he saved two penalties in a shootout to seal his sides place in a first Connacht junior final since 2009 this afternoon.
In truth, the Mayo junior A champions should never have found themselves in that position. They squandered a six-point lead with ten minutes of the second half remaining, with goals from Paul Kelly and Fionnan Burke in each half putting them in control of the game.
However, a high wide count in the second half cost them. St Croan’s were given a lifeline when Ross Timothy’s effort deflected off teammate Callum Pacey into the net and late points from captain Ger Connaughton and Keith Muldoon forced extra-time.
Oisin Mulderrig pegged the Roscommon champions back twice in extra-time. A brilliant effort by Ryan Hanley put Croan’s back in front again but Thomas Keegan’s point on 76 minutes sent the game to a penalty shootout.
McNicholas was in the thick of the drama during the spot kicks. After he saved Richie Thompson’s effort, he then had a chance to put all the pressure on Croan’s next kick but saw his own effort saved. Keith Muldoon could have sent Kiltimagh crashing out but struck his penalty off the post and when Fionnan Burke stepped up again to convert in sudden death (his first effort was saved), McNicholas then denied Croan’s captain Connaughton to spark delirium amongst his teammates and supporters, who mobbed McNicholas after his heroics.
Kiltimagh will meet Leitrim champions Aughavas in the Connacht final in two weeks time.
