Despite trailing by seven points in the opening stages, Kilkenny champions O'Loughlin Gaels once again found a way to win as they dug out a one point success over Cushendall in a compelling All-Ireland Club Semi-Final in Navan.
Like O'Loughlins, Cushendall were looking to make only their second appearance in a senior decider and when the scoreboard read 1-4 to 0-0 in their favour on the back of a Joseph McLaughlin goal, they looked well on their way.
Crucially though they had a huge wind behind them however and even though Brian Hogan's O'Loughlins team had to survive another goal attempt rebounding off the post, the side in green and white gradually worked their way back into the game.
Led by captain Mark Bergin and super displays from Paddy Deegan and David Fogarty, O'Loughlins never panicked and they were right back in the game when Luke Hogan claimed a high clearance from Jordan Molloy and although Hogan's effort was parried by Conor McAlister, Sean Bolger was quickest to the rebound as he forced the sliotar into the net.
That goal left O'Loughlins within touching distance of their opponents and despite Neil McManus getting the last two points of the half, the second time finalists would have been relatively happy only trailing by three at the break (1-10 to 1-7).
The deficit was then completely wiped out within minutes of the resumption as Mark Bergin and Eoin O'Shea found their range.
To their credit though Cushendall refused to go away and with McManus tipping away at their tally, they continued to keep theior heads in front.
O'Loughlins only led for the first time in the 51st minute when a goalkeeping error allowed Bergin to score from play and when midfielder Cian Loy also scored minutes later, the city team looked to be edging towards the finishing line.
McLaughlin and McManus still managed to level it at 1-16 apiece and after both sides showed their nerves in missing late opportunities, it was David Fogarty who hit the match winner in stoppage time.
O'Loughlins will now meet St Thomas of Galway in a novel All-Ireland decider next month.
Teams and Scorers
O’Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-9, 0-5 frees); Sean Bolger (1-1); David Fogarty, Conor Heary (0-2 each); Paddy Deegan, Jack Nolan, Eoin O’Shea (0-1 each)
Ruairi Og Cushendall: Neil McManus (0-9, 0-7 frees); Joseph McLaughlin (1-1); Eoghan Campbell (0-2); Paddy Burke, Ryan McCambridge, Ronan McAteer, Ed McQuillan (0-1 each)
O’Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Tony Forristal, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; David Fogarty, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy; Jack Nolan, Cian Loy; Eoin O’Shea, Mark Bergin, Conor Heary; Sean Bolger, Luke Hogan, Owen Wall.
Subs: Conor Kelly for Bolger 44 mins; Jamie Ryan for Nolan 54 mins; Paddy Butler for O’Shea 57 mins.
Ruairi Og Cushendall: Conor McAlister; Paddy Burke, Liam Gillan, Martin Burke; Scott Walsh, Eoghan Campbell, Ruairi McCollam; Francis McCurry, Ryan McCambridge; Ed McQuillan, Fergus McCambridge, Ronan McAteer; Joseph McLaughlin, Neil McManus, Niall McCormack.
Subs: Sean McAfee for McAteer 22 mins; Alex Delargy for McCormack h-t; Aidan McNaughton for Gillan h-t; Stephen Wash for McCollam 47 mins; Christy McNaughton for McCurry 58 mins.
Referee: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)
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