Stars and Dreadnoughts must do it all again

Paul Fitzpatrick Mullahoran Dreadnoughts may have started this county final as 3/1 outsiders but they very nearly recorded an upset at Breffni Park in a well-contsted SFC final today at Breffni Park. In front of a crowd of 4,500, Mullahoran raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after 12 minutes thanks to two points from Man of the Match Enda O'Reilly and 1-1 from his Cavan U21 colleague Ray Lynch. But the Stars regrouped and scores from Joe MacMahon, Sean Og Gargan, Barry Reilly and Philip Smith saw them go in just a goal down at the break, with Alan Clarke beginning to exert his influence. The second half was hugely-instense, but scappy. An Enda O'Reilly point with eigth minutes to go made it 1-6 to 0-8 in favour of Mullahoran but the 2010 champions hit the front for the first time with a palmed goal from Ryan McCormack with a minute left. There was time for more drama, as ref Noel Mooney awarded Mullahoran two injury-time frees and O'Reilly held his head to nail them. The replay is down for decision next Sunday at the same venue, which means Mullahoran key man Paul Brady will likely miss out due to his involvement in the World Handball Championships. The minor final between North Eastern Gaels and Lavey-Castlerahan was also a draw, finishing 0-6 apiece. Kingscourt: James Farrelly; Padraig Faulkner, Thomas Wakely, Shane Grey; Barry Tully, Alan Clarke, Keith McCabe; Colm Smith, Joe Dillon; Joe McMahon (0-1), Philip Smith (0-3, 1f), Philip Tinnelly; Thomas Malone, Barry Reilly (0-3, 3f), Sean Og Gargan. Subs: Gavin Sheenan for P Faulkner (43), Ryan McCormack (1-0) for J McMahon (49), Daryl Martin for C Smith (60). Mullahoran: Eamon Brady; Seanie Smith, Killian Brady, James Reilly; Dermot Sheridan, Paddy Brady, Michael Brady; Christy Shiels, Peter Paul Galligan; Daniel Smith, Enda O'Reilly (0-7, 4f), Paul Brady; Philip Brady, Eddie O'Reilly, Raymond Lynch (1-1). Sub: Tomas Nannery for D Smith (42). Ref: Noel Mooney (Cavan Gaels)