CASTLEBLAYNEY VERSUS INNISKEEN

INNISKEEN 1-23
CARRICKMACROSS 1-20

Inniskeen needed extra-time to get through an exciting south-Monaghan derby against Carrickmacross. Niall Arthur was in prolific form for Inniskeen throughout the 80-plus minutes, racking up a remarkable 1-18 to lead the holders through. An Oran Kiernan-led Carrick had been on the brink of qualifying for a third county final in four years when they led by a point with time almost up, having held a narrow lead for much of the hour, but Arthur’s added-time equaliser proved to be a vital reprieve for Inniskeen, whose top marksman added 1-3 to his tally in the second half of extra-time.

Oran Kiernan hit the first three points of the game to get Carrickmacross off to a fine start and although a brace of frees by Niall Arthur got Inniskeen off the mark, the Emmets extended their lead through Kiernan, Ciarán Guinan and Darragh Cassidy. Arthur finished the first half with half-a-dozen points to his name, with Gavin Dooley also opening his account, but scores from Ryan O’Rourke and Jamie Guinan helped Carrick change ends leading by 0-9 to 0-7. Arthur and Kiernan continued to trade scores after the restart and while three from the Clare native brought Inniskeen level for the first time, Carrick responded with a blitz of 1-2, Kian Conlon’s goal being sandwiched by points from county men Rowan McMahon and Kiernan. Arthur, Shane Callan and Pádraig McGahon helped Inniskeen get back on terms as the hour mark approached and although Kiernan converted a free to…