GAA news:Loughgiel cut loose in extra-time to book an All-Ireland club hurling final date with Coolderry after seeing off Na Piarsaigh at Parnell Park this afternoon. Liam Watson was the hero for the Antrim side, firing over 16 points as Loughgiel ran out 0-27 to 2-13 winners.
After shading the opening half, Loughgiel led by six points midway through the second period but Na Piarsaigh fought back to level with Robert Sheehan scoring an injury-time goal before Kevin Downes knocked over the equalising score.
However, the Limerick side were a spent force in extra-time as Loughgiel, and Watson in particular, took a stranglehold on proceedings. Watson brought his tally to 16 as Na Piarsaigh were put to the sword with Loughgiel eventually triumphing by eight points.
Offaly’s Coolderry will be waiting for them on St Patrick’s day after they dismissed Gort 3-16 to 0-17. Coolderry had the better of things before the break and second-half goals from Cathal Parlon and Damien Murray ensured they were never going to be caught at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.
Paul Kerrigan, meanwhile, will not face a ban after the Cork forward was cleared of any wrongdoing at a hearing of the GAA’s Central Hearing Committee. Kerrigan had been looking at a two-match sanction following his dismissal against Armagh last weekend.
The Nemo Rangers man received his marching orders after an altercation with Armagh’s Finian Moriarty with the referee’s report noting he was dismissed for “attempting to strike with the head“.
Kerrigan chose not to accept the penalty proposed by the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee and sought a hearing of the CHC. After viewing video evidence presented by Kerrigan, the CCCC accepted that the infraction alleged did not occur.
“Accordingly, the CHC found the case not proven,” explained the GAA in a statement this afternoon.