Crosserlough’s 48 year wait for the Oliver Plunkett Cup was extended for another week when Mark Stuart kicked the equaliser against Kingscourt with the last play of the game. It seemed set that Kingscourt Stars were about to win their first Cavan Football final since 2015 but Crosserlough were relentless in their pursuit.
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Crosserlough were the ones who started the stronger. They dominated the game in the opening quarter. But, three wides meant Kingscourt were always in touch. Then, Adrian Smith found the net to open a seven-point lead.
But Padraig Faulkner came up with a goal for Kingscourt in the 29th minute to keep the difference at three heading half-time.
Unfortunately, Kingscourt were again the slower to start in the second period. Defender Cian Boylon popped up with another green flag to extend the gap to six again. But, that’s when Kingscourt started to make up for lost time.
Points from Barry Reilly, Patrick Lynch, Cian Shekleton, Philip Tinnelly and Peter Corrigan reeled in the difference. Next, Kevin Curtis fisted into the net. All of a sudden, Kingscourt were two up with eight minutes remaining.
In those remaining minutes, it was point for point and the gap was still two heading into injury time. David Shalvey curled one over to make it a one-point game. Shekleton then missed a chance for Kingscourt that would have sealed the game. This allowed Crosserlough one last throw of the dice. Amazingly, they held their nerve and Mark Stuart latched onto a James Smith pass and casually kicked it over to secure a draw.
After losing the 2018 final, Crosserlough will take last weekend’s draw as a let off. They’ll be keen to make sure it won’t take last gasp heroics in the replay. After waiting since 1972 for a Championship victory, Crosserlough are due a title. Meanwhile, Kingscourt will be encouraged by their performance. If they can replicate the same determination in the replay, Kingscourt have every chance of being the kings of Cavan football again.
Paddy Power have priced Crosserlough at 5/6. On the other hand, Kingscourt are shorter than the first game at 5/4. A draw is 13/2. The replay is live on Cavstream.
Paths to the Final.
Round 1: Kingscourt 1-13 vs 0-10 Lacken.
Crosserlough 1-14 vs 0-07 Lavey.
Round 2: Killygarry 0-17 vs 2-13 Kingscourt Stars.
Crosserlough 1-13 vs 1-10 Laragh.
Round 3: Kingscourt 3-15 vs 1-07 Laragh.
Lacken 0-14 vs 3-15 Crosserlough.
Round 4: Ramor 3-09 vs 3-11 Crosserlough.
Shercock 0-12 vs 3-12 Kingscourt.
Quarter-Finals: Kingscourt 0-22 vs 2-15 Mullahoran.
Crosserlough 2-19 vs 3-10 Gowna.
Semi-Finals: Castlerahan 0-16 vs 2-16 Crosserlough.
Cavan Gaels 0-10 vs 2-12 Cavan Gaels.
Final: Crosserlough 2-12 vs 2-12 Kingscourt.
Cavan SFC Final Replay: Crosserlough vs Kingscourt Stars (Replay), Saturday 3rd October, 5pm (Kingspan Breffni Park).
Join us LIVE this weekend for the HK SFC Final Replay @StarsGAA1890 V @CCrosserlough and the CB JFC Final @templeportgfc V @DennGAA. Click the link https://t.co/ndXViiiGAH or https://t.co/G0Zh0llOA8
In the meantime enjoy the video below!! https://t.co/3IrznU4xww pic.twitter.com/YulodgBWCX— Official Cavan GAA (@CavanCoBoardGaa) September 30, 2020
https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-free-takers-in-gaelic-football/
https://twitter.com/CavanCoBoardGaa/status/1311261419610845184
