BALLINDERRY SHAMROCKS HELD off a second-half comeback by Kingdom Kerry Gaels to book their place in the AIB All-Ireland Senior Football semi-finals.
The Ulster champions will play St Vincent’s in the final four after a 3-9 to 2-7 win in blustery conditions in Ruislip this afternoon.
Collie Devlin’s goal helped Ballinderry to a 1-5 to 0-1 lead at the break, the Derry side pressing home their advantage when Gaels were reduced to 14 men in the first half.
A goal from Daniel McKinless and a second from Devlin stretched the margin to 11 points, 3-6 to 0-4.
But Gaels refused to give up and clawed their way back to within a goal, 3-7 to 2-7, as the game entered its final minutes.
Kyle Holland’s penalty brought Gaels back to within three points (INPHO/Gerry McManus)
In the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling quarter-finals, Fullen Gaels caused a shock beating Leinster champions Ballinamere of Offaly 1-8 to 0-10 in Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham.
The Warwickshire club will now play Antrim’s Creggan Kickhams in the semi-finals in January.
And in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Football Championship, Emyvale of Monaghan beat John Mitchels (Lancashire) 2-9 to 0-12 to set up a semi-final against Kildare’s Two Mile House.
