Banbridge were relegated down to 2A as despite a late comeback fell to MU Barnhall, the fourth palace side now travel to Stradbrook to meet Blackrock in the promotion decider.
Banbridge (2T) 18-20 (3T) MU Barnhall, Rifle Park
MU Barnhall booked their spot in the 1B promotion play-off final, with it sending Banbridge down to 2A, despite a late comeback by the hosts Barnhall remained composed not to cough up the result.
It was all going the way of the Blue Bulls in the opening half, 15 unanswered points as the visitors crossed twice in the half.
James Humphreys got Banbridge on the board five minutes into the second half, but ten minutes later Barnhall added their third try of the contest, getting into the corner.
It was a grand slam finish however by the hosts Peter Cromie and Josh Cromie both added tries, Humphreys added a conversion and another penalty, but the Kildare men held on to secure a big win for the club.
Blackrock College (1T) 10-8 (1T) Nenagh Ormond, Stradbrook
Peter “Kicker” Quirke’s conversion in the dying minutes gave Blackrock home advantage in the 1B play-off final, as they overcame Nenagh in a rain soaked Stradbrook.
The elements let tier feeling known in this tie, as the early exchanges were all about defending, as both put on a clinic to keep the score deadlocked, the weather was getting worse but just before the half hour mark, Nenagh took the lead as Kevin O’Flaherty got over in the 25th minute, the conversion wide but a big momentum swing for the visitors, Qurike landed a penalty before the break to cut the gap to two points.
The tension was palpable but the atmosphere electric in Stradbrook despite the weather, both sets of supporters were doing everything to get their sides over the line, after the hour mark Conor O’Brien kicked a crucial penalty for a five point margin in favour of the Tipp side, they then had to defend with their backs to the wall but Quirke’s converted late try was heartache for Nenagh and hoy for Rock, one game away from back to back promotions.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.