History was created in O’Connor Park on Sunday evening with the first ever penalty-shoot out. Tullamore came through 9-8 amid scenes of unbelievable tension to book their place in the Offaly SFC final at Ferbane’s expense.
It capped off another pulsating weekend of Club Championship action in Offaly, with many talking points after semi-finals in four grades of adult football in the county.
Not only did the Tullamore v Febane epic feature two sensational scores at the end of extra-time, but they couldn’t be separated after five penalties apiece. Amazingly, Tullamore missed their eighth spot-kick, and Ferbane blazed their next one over the bar too. Eventually, ‘The Blues’ came through. The only pity was there wasn’t a bigger crowd present to witness it, but it was streamed live on www.247.tv/gaa
And so, the Dowling Cup decider will feature Rhode and Tullamore. Rhode were given a huge scare by local rivals Edenderry before coming through a tremendous battle after-extra time on Saturday evening., with Niall McNamee once again their goal-scoring hero.
Durrow and Gracefield will meet in the Senior ‘B’ final. They deservedly advanced after competitive outings against Tubber and Ballycumber, respectively, and will be hugely determined to return to the top flight of Offaly football. Durrow also depended on a last-gasp winning score on Saturday.
There was another heart-stopping semi-final in the Intermediate grade on Friday evening, with Kilcormac Killoughey edging past Ballycommon after extra-time. It was a helter-skelter contest for over 80 minutes. Meanwhile, St Rynagh’s overcame Clonbullogue and so many players from both clubs who are more used to meeting on the hurling fields will battle it out with the ‘big ball’.
Daingean and Tullamore had convincing wins in the Junior ‘A’ Football Championship semi-finals.
Here’s all the main results from the weekend. Full results (including Junior B, Junior C and Underage) can be accessed via this link: https://offaly.gaa.ie/fixtures-results/
Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals: Rhode 1-14, Edenderry 0-13 (a.e.t.); Tullamore 0-17, Ferbane 1-14 (a.e.t.) Tullamore win 9-8 on penalties.
Senior ‘B’ Football Championship Semi-Finals: Durrow 2-9, Tubber 1-11; Gracefield 3-9, Ballycumber 0-11.
Intermediate Football championship Semi-Finals: Kilcormac-Killoughey 4-14, Ballycommon 2-13; St Rynagh’s 1-8, Clonbullougue 1-6.
Junior Football Championship Semi-Finals: Daingean 2-19, Clara 1-8; Tullamore 1-8, Kilclonfert 0-6.
By Offaly PRO Sun 20th Sep
