UL Bohemian live to fight another day to keep their spot in 2A, edging Sligo in a dramatic tie on Shannonside, they now host Dungannon who dream of playing in 2A next season.
UL Bohemian (1T) 16-14 (2T) Sligo, Annacotty
Harry Byrne slotted a late penalty to edge a dramatic tie with Sligo, the Connacht men coming back to almost snatch the win, but Byrne who slotted 11 points from the tee was the deciding factor.
It was the perfect start for the Robins as Ignacio Garcia’s early converted try combined with a Byrne penalty had given them an early 10-0 lead, before Calum Goddard got over for Sligo, Jack Keegan landed a monster from the touchline to make it a three point game, but right on halftime Byrne added another penalty to make it 13-7 at the break.
Kuba Wojtkowicz brought Sligo ahead early in the second half, Keegan converted for a one point margin, as UL had their second man sent to the bin in the tie, a high tackle saw Bryne landed another three pointer, but drama at the death as Sligo missed a penalty to regain the lead, with the hosts holding on for a home final in two weeks time.
Galway Corinthians (1T) 8-12 (2T) Dungannon, Corinthian Park
Dungannon on a day where they mourned the passing of Billy Brown, who coached and managed the senior teams at Dungannon, did him proud as they edged Corinthians to book a spot in the final.
Matthew Montgomery got the Ulstermen over for an early try in the 10th minute, Ben McCaughey converted for a 7-0 winning scoreline, Corinthians added a penalty to leave it a four point game at half time.
It was the visitors who again sniped first as the second half got underway Adam Milligan getting their second try, but this time McCaughey just dragged the conversion wide, despite Matthew Devine crossing for the hosts, the unconverted try was not added to as Dungannon defended well to keep their promotion aspirations alive.
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.