AIB GAA Football All Ireland Junior Club Championship Semi-Final 2nd Replay – Kenmare Shamrocks (Kerry) 1-17 Castleknock (Dublin) 1-12

Kenmare finally emerged from their epic battle with Leinster champions Castleknock, winning by five points in their second All-Ireland semi-final replay on Saturday evening at Croke Park. The two sides couldn’t be separated after two encounters went to extra-time in recent weeks, but Kenmare will now play Ballinasloe in the All-Ireland final after finally seeing off the north Dublin side. Kenmare’s cause was greatly helped by a brilliant display from Paul O’Connor, who contributed 1-6 of his side’s decisive half-time tally – they went in at the break leading 1-10 to 0-7.

Castleknock, unsurprisingly, made a real battle of it in the second half, and with Ciarán Kilkenny knocking over some superb scores for them, it looked like yet another tight finish could be in prospect. Rory Corcoran’s goal left just a point in it midway through the second half, but Kenmare pulled away again and were five clear by the time the game entered injury time. Castleknock were given one late, late chance when Corcoran stepped up to a penalty with seconds remaining. His shot was brilliantly saved, but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway as by then time was all but up and Kenmare held an unassailable lead.