AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Semi-Final 2019

Cushendall (Antrim) 2-11 St.Thomas’ (Galway) 0-18

From Odhrán Crumley in Parnell Park

It was heartbreak for Cushendall as the unlikeliest of match winners in corner back, David Sherry sealed the final spot for St.Thomas’.

Cushendall got off to a dream start after Neil McManus was fouled in the area, rising to his feet to dispatch the penalty.

The Tribesmen were sharper over the course of the half as Darragh and Eanna Burke pointed their team a 0-13 to 1-3 lead at the interval.

Ruairi Og introduced Conor Carson at the break and as expected he made a huge impact as the Antrim champions brought themselves right back into contention.

Neil McManus led the way with a personal haul of 1-6 while Fergus McCambridge reignited the fire with a fine major after the restart.

The sides were deadlocked heading into five minutes of injury time when Donal McNaughton had his goal-bound shot saved by the goalkeeper.

It appeared that extra time was inevitable when Conor Cooney dropped a late free short but the unlikely hero with two on his back David Sherry landed the winner from way out wide.

Cushendall will be left with a bitter taste in the mouth with thoughts of the one that got away.

While, St.Thomas’ will advance to meet Ballyhale who outgunned Ballygunner in the other last four game.

The two will collide in Croke Park as part of the double bill of All Ireland Senior Club deciders on St.Patrick’s Day.

St Thomas’: Gerald Murray; David Sherry (0-01), Cathal Burke, Cian Mahoney; Donal Cooney, Shane Cooney (0-01, 0-01f), Fintan Burke; James Regan (0-02), David Burke; Conor Cooney (0-01), Darragh Burke (0-06, 0-04f), Bernard Burke (0-02); Eanna Burke (0-03), Brendan Farrell, Kenneth Burke (0-01).

Subs: Damien McGlynn (0-01) for K Burke (33), Sean Skehill for Farrell (58).

Ruairi Og, Cushendall: Eoin Gillan; Sean Delargy, Martin Burke, David Kearney; Eoghan Campbell (0-01), Aaron Graffin, Paddy Burke; Fergus McCambridge (1-01), Neil McManus (1-06, 1-00 pen, 0-04f, 0-02 65); Ryan McCambridge, Eunan McKillop, Donal McNaughton; Paddy McGill (0-02), Sean McAfee (0-01), Alex Delargy.

Subs: Conor Carson for R McCambridge (h/t), Stephen Walsh for S Delargy (54).

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)