GAA Digest

CARLOW SFC SEMI-FINAL : Palatine, winners last year of the Carlow SFC final for the first time since 1952, are through to this…

CARLOW SFC SEMI-FINAL: Palatine, winners last year of the Carlow SFC final for the first time since 1952, are through to this year's decider after they beat Kildavin-Clonegal by 0-11 to 0-9 despite being reduced to 13 men yesterday at Dr Cullen Park.

The opening half was dominated by Kildavin-Clonegal who built up an 0-6 to 0-2 lead as the champions struggled.

Palatine were a transformed side after the change of ends, however, and they had the arrears wiped out within nine minutes of the restart before midfielder Niall Reid put them in front with a splendid point from play in the 44th minute.

Palatine lost Brian Kelly to a second yellow card and centre forward Paul Reid to a straight red.

READ MORE

But they held their composure to go three points clear with points from Paudie O'Toole and Eddie McGarry.

Although Kildavin-Clonegal hit back for three late points from Daniel St Ledger, Noel Conway and David Byrne, Palatine managed two points of their own from Joe Byrne and a pointed free by substitute Patrick Cushen to book a place in the county final.

Éire Óg and Rathvilly must replay after their semi-final at Dr Cullen Park finished 1-6 to 0-9 with Éire Óg's James Reilly scoring the goal.

SCORERS

Palatine: B Kelly 0-3, two frees; J Byrne 0-2, one free; B Farrell, N Reid, J Reid, P O'Toole, E McGarry, P Cushen, free; 0-1 each. Kildavin-Clonegal: N Conway 0-3, one free; D St Ledger 0-2; Mark Nolan, T Doyle, Mick Nolan, D Byrne 0-1 each.

Éire Óg: S Rea 0-4, frees; J Reilly 1-0; P Kingston, E McCormack free, 0-1 each. Rathvilly: D Nolan 0-4, 0-3 frees; Brian Murphy 0-3, 0-2 frees; JJ Smith free, A Kelly 0-1 each.

WESTMEATH SFC SEMI-FINAL: Tyrrellspass remain on track to retain their county title after defeating Garrycastle by 2-9 to 1-8 in an ill-tempered final at Cusack Park yesterday.

Well taken goals by Martin Flanagan and David Glennon eased the defending champions into a 2-6 to 0-1 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.

By half-time Garrycastle had reduced the deficit to a still considerable eight points - 2-6 to 0-4.

A 54th minute goal by Dessie Dolan briefly boosted Garrycastle's late comeback bid, but three second-half points by the outstanding Denis Glennon ensured Tyrrellspass would not be denied.

SCORERS

Tyrrellspass: M Flanagan, 1-2, 0-1 lb; David Glennon 1-1; Denis Glennon (0-4); K Connell (0-2, frees).

Garycastle: D Dolan, 1-5, 0-5 frees; J McAteer 0-2; P Dillon 0-1 free.

WICKLOW SFC: Reigning county champions St Patrick's are through to the quarter-finals of Wicklow's senior football championship following 0-13 to 0-6 win over Donard-Glen at Aughrim yesterday.

Baltinglass are also through the last-eight play-offs after beating Shillelagh by 0-15 to 1-8 in Arklow yesterday. David Cullen scored the consolation goal for the losers.

SCORERS

St Patrick's: P Earls 0-4; S Duffy 0-5; S Tobin 0-2; C Kavanagh, D O'Sullivan 0-1 each. Donard-Glen: L Daly 0-3; B Lennon, T Dwyer, H Mangan 0-1 each.

Baltinglass: J Kelly 0-6; J McGrath 0-3; H Sinnott, T Murphy 0-2 each; C Walsh, A Nolan (0-1 each). Shillelagh: D Cullen 1-0; P Byrne 0-4; C Byrne 0-2; K Byrne, P Hennessy 0-1 each.