WATCH: Dempsey goal sinks Drumbaragh
Dunderry got a real scare in the IFC first round this evening at Pairc Tailteann where they had to scrap for victory against a gutsy Drumbaragh side that just ran out of legs in the final 10 minutes as they surrendered a seven-point lead and conceded seven scores.
The crucial score was Liam Dempsey's 60th minute goal and that gave Dunderry a 1-16 to 2-12 advantage - Drumbaragh's Kyle Dardis had an opportunity to level from a 50 metre free out of his hands, but Dunderry cleared the danger and countered with a seventh point of the game from Stephen Coogan.
THE LATE GOAL
Wind-assisted Drumbaragh had trailed by two points (0-6 to 0-8) at the interval with both goalkeepers, David Jennings and Willie Arkins making some good saves.
Drumbaragh looked like they would find the going too tough in the second-half, but after the rain had lashed the venue during the break, the wind wasn't a factor.
Drumbaragh were rampant during the third-quarter with a brace of goals from Kyle Dardis helping them to a substantial 2-12 to 0-11 advantage with nine minutes remaining.
They didn't manage another score and they also lost Tommy Carry to an early second-half injury.
Dunderry were also boosted for the second-half by Conor Dempsey who was introduced as a substitute after he arrived at the ground from Dublin where he was completing important afternoon exams.
Dunderry gradually worked their way back into the game, but it appeared as if Drumbaragh would hold on until that late goal from Liam Dempsey rescued last year's beaten IFC finalists.
Dunderry - David Jennings; Aaron Newman, Darren Callaghan, David McCormack; Alan Watters, Conor O'Shea, Eoghan Dempsey; Conor Farrell, Liam Dempsey (1-0); Morgan Callaghan (0-1), Stephen Coogan (0-7 one '45', one free), Jordan Martin (0-1); Paddy Kennelly (0-7), Luke Martyn (0-1), Damien Clarke. Subs - Alex Walsh for Martin and Conor Dempsey for E Dempsey both half-time, Conor Daly for Clarke 45 mins.
Drumbaragh - Willie Arkins; Joseph Carry, Peter Carry, Paddy Murray; John Morrissey, Martin Kavanagh, DJ Carry (0-1); Ciaran Lynch (0-1), Colima Forde; Thomas Carry (0-1), William Carry, Kyle Dardis (2-5 three frees); Colm Carry (0-3 one '45'), James Connolly, John D Smith (0-1). Sub - Stephen Meegan for T Carry 34 mins.
Referee -Bernard Heaney (Clann na nGael).