TRUAGH 2-10
GERALDINES 1-9

Geraldines fell just short in their bid to reach the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final when Monaghan side, Truagh, edged home after a dramatic finish to this semi-final at Crossmaglen on Sunday afternoon.

The Louth and Leinster champions almost pulled off the great escape as they found back from six points down ten minutes into the second half to draw level in the final minute. However, Truagh had the final say with an injury-time goal and point to claim victory and a place in the decider.

Few will argue that the Monaghan side played the better football on the day, and although the Gers were below their best, their sheer heart and determination was almost enough to prolong what has been an incredible season.

The game saw the Gers play with the advantage of the elements in the first half but they suffered a setback inside 90 seconds when they lost Sean Thornton to a black card.

Things didn't improve for Eamonn McEneaney's side after that as they just couldn't get into the game against the well-organised Ulster champions. By the time the whistle was blown for the interval, it didn't look promising for the Gers as they trailed by 0-7 to 0-4 with Daniel McKenna and Mark Counihan on target for the winners.

It appeared that Truagh would cruise to victory when the scored the opening goal of the game five minutes into the second half through Counihan to lead by six points.

However, the Louth men refused to give up and a goal from full-back Nicky Mackin helped launch the comeback.

Coming near the end, Shane O'Hanlon pointed to leave the minimum between the teams and in the last minute, Jim McEneaney fired over to level the game at 1-9 each.

It appeared that the Gers would go on to complete victory but as they pressed for the winner, the Monaghan men broke quickly and a fine move ended with their second goal from Daniel Finnegan. The winners added another point to secure their place in the All-Ireland final against Mayo champions Kiltane.

TRUAGH - I Treanor; J McCarron, N Feely, N McQuilland; E Kelly, R Treanor, P McKenna; P Treanor, N McRory; A Treanor, B Cuddy, M Counihan (1-2); D Finnegan (1-2), C McKenna (0-2f), D McKenna (0-4, 2f). Subs: C McAnenly for McCarron (BC), N Rooney for McRory (BC).

GERALDINES - N Cooney; J Craven, N Mackin (1-0), T Hand; S Reidy, G Hoey (0-1), K Pepper; M Rogers, S O'Hanlon (0-1); S Callan, J McEneaney (0-5, 3f, 1'45), S Thornton; J Arrowsmith (0-2), B Hamilton, G Traynor. Subs: J Breen for Thornton (BC), P Hoey for Breen, D Hamill for Arrowsmith, J Craven (BC).

REFEREE - E O'Grady. Tweet

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