Now we know the line-up for March 17 in Croke Park
Just one point separated Slaughtneil and Austin Stacks in the end of their AIB-GAA All-Ireland semi final in Portlaoise this afternoon in a thrilling game. The Derry champions edged out their rivals from the southwest by 1-14 to 2-10. A 56th minute point from Cormac O’Doherty proved the match winner.
It won’t come as any surprise, when the final margin was so tight, that the teams were level six times during the course of the hour, as Stacks raced into an early lead, but were then pegged back by the Ulster champions. The Tralee outfit had two early penalties,as Kieran Donaghy was fouled for both, and wing back Pa McCarthy made no mistake from the spot.
However the Ulster side fought their way back into the game and a goal from Barry McGuigan just before the break left it even after 30 minutes at 2-5 to 1-8.
The second half was a tense affair as both sides kept it tight at the back and took their chances and with 10 minutes to play the sides were once again level at 1-13 to 2-10.
O Doherty’s score in the 56th minute was to prove decisive but Stacks did have a chance to draw the game when a shuddering shoulder from Donaghy resulted in a free for Shane Carroll, but he dragged his effort wide.
Slaughtneil celebrated at the final whistle as they booked a place in a first ever AIB-GAA All-Ireland club final where they’ll face Corofin.
