AIC hurling semi-finals:A late extra-time goal from Eánna Murphy saw Galway's Clarinbridge join O'Loughlin Gaels in the All-Ireland Club Senior Hurling Championship final on St Patrick's Day.
After the Kilkenny side comfortably beat Loughgiel in the earlier semi-final at Parnell Park, Clarinbridge won what two-goal hero Mark Kerins described as a “ding dong” battle against Waterford’s De La Salle at Semple Stadium.
Kerins was crucial for his side, hitting the net in the first half of normal time and extra-time, while John Mullane’s personal haul of 1-11 ensured De Le Salle were never far away.
Indeed, the lead switched hands regularly in a game that saw 40 scores in the regulation 60 minutes.
With three minutes remaining in extra-time the sides were still inseparable on 28 points apiece.
When Mullane pointed his 12th score and Liam Hayes added another point for De La Salle, it looked as if the game was up for Clarinbridge. There was still time for another twist in the tale, however, and it came when Murphy hooked the sliotar into the Waterford side’s net for a one point win.
“Your club is the people you grow up with, your neighbours and your friends so it’s such a special day,” an emotional Kerins told RTE Radio after the final whistle.
Second half goals from Peter Dowling, Danny Loughnane and Alan Geoghan saw O'Loughlin Gaels safely past Loughgiel.
Brendan McGarry missed a gilt edged chance early in the second for the Ulstermen that could have changed the complexion of the half, but when presented with similar opportunities the Kilkenny men didn’t flinch.
All-Ireland Club Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals
O’Loughlin Gaels 3-10 Loughgiel 0-10
Clarinbridge 3-22 La Salle 1-27