Kilcormac Killoughey edged Castletown-Geoghegan in a titanic Leinster semi-final on Sunday afternoon, with late goals from Adam Screeney and James Gorman helping them over the line.
Castletown-Geoghegan took the upper hand with five minutes to go when Aonghus Clarke rifled a 53rd minute goal into the top corner, putting his side two up with seven minutes to go.
The Offaly champs struck with two late goals to turn the tables on their opponents, with long puck-outs from Conor Slevin causing all sorts of problems for the Castletown-Geoghegan rearguard.
James Gorman took advantage, ghosting in behind the defence to collect a puck-out before finishing coolly to put them one point ahead.
Niall O'Brien responded to level the game up with a sensational point from a difficult angle only for Screeney to have the final say, racing in behind Gorman to collect another long puck-out from Slevin.
#GAABEO 61 nóim @CTGHurling 1-13 (16)@KK_GAA 2-13 (19)
Cúl críochnaithe go snasta ag Adam Screeney!!
Lovely Finish by Adam Screeney to put a goal between the sides!!#GAA #Hurlingl
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/TmwykeINT8
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 24, 2024
He showed his pace as he bore down on goal before finishing calmly off the hurl. Speaking after the game Screeney hailed his team-mate Gorman for his communication for the second goal, as he told the youngster to run in behind him before missing the ball intentionally.
"I actually ran out in front and I heard James Gorman coming in behind me, and he said 'Adam, step down and go in behind.'
"So I just turned on the spot and ran in behind. He's a genius at it. He just completely missed the ball and made his man miss it as well.
"My corner back was following around me, once the ball went in behind then, I had only one thing on my mind, that was a goal. I seen out of the corner off my eye, the goalie was quick off his line, and just managed to get a flick on it," Screeney explained.
In an interview almost as good as his display, where he scored 1-8 including 1-2 from play, the 19-year-old hailed both Aonghus Clarke and Niall O'Brien for their displays.
"We dug deep today. We were under pressure," he said.
"Last week, I was under the cosh a bit on the frees, and nervous enough coming into it today but thank God they all flew over. Same the far end, Niall O'Brien was deadly from placed balls.
Scór Lán-Ama@CTGHurling 1-13 (16)@KK_GAA 2-13 (19)
‘In fairness all the lads dug deep'
Focail scor ag Adam Screeney tar éis an chluiche inniú
#GAABEO #GAA pic.twitter.com/Culc7V8BKe— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 24, 2024
Peter and Aonghus Clarke and Niall O'Brien had battled gamely, giving the home crowd loads to shout about but it wasn't enough, with Kilcormac Killoughey advancing to Croke Park for next Saturday's Leinster final where they'll take on Na Fianna.
